Nitric oxide releasing steroids

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to nitrooxyderivative of corticosteriods of general formula (I) and pharmaceutical acceptable salts or stereoisomers thereof wherein R is the corticosteriod residue of formulas (II): The compounds are useful in the treatment of respiratory diseases, inflammatory diseases, dermatological disease and ocular diseases.

The present invention relates to steroidal compounds having an improved pharmacological activity and lower side effects, to a process for their preparation and to pharmaceutical formulation containing them.

Steroid anti-inflammatory compounds are still the most effective drugs in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and conditions such as: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease, colitis, ulcerative colitis, dermatological inflammations such as eczema, psoriasis, allergic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, pruritus, conjunctivitis, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, in substitutive hormonal therapies, preferably in the post-menopause therapy, in rheumatic disease therapies, in renal disease therapies, in ocular disease therapies such as ocular hypertension, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy and retinal vasculopathies, in autoimmune disease. Moreover, steroids are used as adjunct chemotherapeutic agents in treating various malignancies, including leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas, and other malignancies of the hematopoietic system.

However Steroid anti-inflammatory compounds possess numerous unfavourable side-effects, e.g., on carbohydrate metabolism, calcium resorption, secretion of endogenous corticosteroids as well as on the physiological functions of the pituitary gland, adrenal cortex and thymus.

Thus there is an acute need for steroids with an improved therapeutic profile, and/or fewer or milder side effects in particular in the long-term treatments as required for the control of diseases.

The compounds of the present invention are derivatives of known steroids, containing a NO (nitric oxide)-releasing moiety and they are therapeutically useful in the treatment of illnesses wherein the known steroid, parent or precursor steroid, is generally applied, with increased benefit in terms of pharmacological profile and fewer or milder side effects than those of the known steroids.

Therefore the compounds of the present invention may be used, according to the activity of the parent drug, as drugs having antiinflammatory activity at peripheral level, immunodepressive activity, angiostatic/angiogenetic activity, antiarthritic activity, in the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases on an inflammatory and traumatic basis of the nervous system, in the therapy of respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD, in substitutive hormonal therapies, preferably in the post-menopause therapy, in rheumatic disease therapies, in renal disease therapies, in ocular disease therapies such as ocular hypertension, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy and retinal vasculopathies, in dermatological disease therapies, in autoimmune disease therapy in tumoral process therapies, in inflammatory pathologies affecting the gastrointestinal system.

In the prior art nitrooxy derivatives of steroids, which are usable also as cardiovascular agents for the coronary insufficiency or angina pectoris therapy, are described.

For example, German patent DE 2,222,491 describes the preparation of pregnane derivatives having in position 21 the —CH₂—O—NO₂ group. In said patent it is stated that said derivatives have a cardiotropic activity. This activity represents a drawback for said compounds, since they modify the cardiac frequency.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,494,941 describes steroid derivatives from 3-hydroxy-extrane or from extr-4 en-3 one, used as vasodilators in the treatment of cardiac affections such as coronary insufficiency and angina pectoris. In the structure of said compounds a ONO₂ group is at the free end of the alkylene chain which is linked by an ether bond to the steroid in position 17. According to said patent it is possible to have nitrate groups also in the positions 3 and 16 of the steroidal structure. The same drawbacks mentioned above as regards the effects on the cardiac frequency can be repeated for the compounds of this patent.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,183,252 describes derivatives of 16-nitrate-alkylpregnanes wherein the alkyl group is linked to the pregnane structure by a carbon-carbon bond. The compounds according to said patent can be used as vasodilators. The same drawbacks reported for the above prior art can be repeated.

WO 98/15568 and WO 03/064443 in the name of the Applicant describe nitrate esters of steroidal compounds, wherein between the steroidal structure and the nitrooxy group a bivalent linking group is inserted. Said compounds show a good efficacy and/or good tolerability with respect to the corresponding precursors.

Patent application WO 00/61604 in the name of the Applicant describes nitrooxy derivatives of steroidal compounds with various linking groups having at one end a nitrooxy group, and covalently linked with the other end to a steroidal compound. In said application the uses concern the compounds usable in the treatment of patients in oxidative stress. Said compounds contain in the molecule also a bivalent linking group which must be capable to prevent the free radicals production and is selected on the basis of the tests reported therein.

The Applicant has surprisingly and unexpectedly found a class of nitric oxide releasing compounds with a better bioavailability and/or a prolonged release of NO in comparison with the compounds known in prior art. In general the compounds of the present invention have a better drugability in comparison to the corresponding compounds of the prior art.

The present invention provides compounds of general formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or stereoisomers thereof.

R—(Z)_(a)—R^(x)  (I)

wherein R is a corticosteroid residue of formula (II):

wherein:

R₁ is H, OH, —OC(O)O_(m)R_(i) wherein m is equal to 0 or 1, R₁ is a branched or straight C₁-C₁₀ alkyl, preferably R_(i) is a branched or straight C₁-C₆ alkyl, preferred R_(i) is selected from methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl;

R₂ is H, —CH₃, ═CH₂, OH,

or R₁ and R₂ are taken together to form a group of formula (III)

wherein R_(A1) and R_(A2) are independently selected from H, a C₁-C₁₀ linear or branched alkyl chain, preferably (C₁-C₅) alkyl, more preferably —CH₃, a C₃₋C₆ cycloalkyl, preferably cyclohexyl or R_(A1) and R_(A2), taken together are a C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl, preferably cyclohexyl, or R_(A1) and R_(A2), taken together, are the group of formula (IV)

wherein R_(A3) is a C₁-C₁₀ linear or branched alkyl chain, preferably (C₁-C₅) alkyl;

R₃ is H, Cl;

R₄ is H, CH₃, Cl, F, CH═O,

or R₃ and R₄ taken together are a double bond;

R_(4A) is H;

R₅ is H,

or R_(4A) and R₅ taken together are a double bond;

R₆ is H,

or R₅ and R₆ taken together are a double bond;

R₇ is OH, OCH₂CH₂Cl;

R_(7A) is H,

or R₇ and R_(7A) taken together are a ═O;

R₈ is H, Cl, Br,

or R₇ and R₈ taken together are the group of formula (V)

R_(8A) is H,

or R_(7A) and R_(8A) taken together are a double bond;

R₉ is H,

or R₈ and R₉ taken together are a double bond;

R₁₀ is H, Cl, F;

R₁₁ is H, OH,

or R₁₀ and R₁₁ taken together are a double bond;

R_(11A) is H,

or R₁₁ and R_(11A) taken together are a ═O;

R₁₂ is H, CH₃ or ═O;

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R_(4a), R₅, R₆, R₇, R_(7A), R₈, R_(8A), R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁ and R_(11A) can be linked to the correspondent carbon atoms of the steroidal structure in position α or β; excluding the following corticosteroid residues R:

a in formula (I) is equal to 0 or 1; Z is a group capable of binding R_(X) and is selected from —C(O)—,

or —CH(R′)—O— wherein R′ is selected from H or a straight or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl, preferably R′ is H or —CH₃;

R_(x) is a radical selected from the following meanings:

A)

(a1) —HN—CH(R₁)—C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂)

(a2) —C(O)—CH(R₁)—NH-(T′-Y—ONO₂)

(a3) —HN—CH(R^(1a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—COOR^(3a)

(a4) —C(O)—CH(R^(1a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—NHR^(4a)

(a5) —R^(1b)—CH(NHR^(4a))—C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂)

(a6) —R^(1b)—CH(COOR^(3a))NH-(T′Y—ONO₂)

(a7) —HN—CH(R^(1a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂)

(a8) —C(O)—CH(R^(1a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂)

(a9) —R^(1b)—CH(NH-T′-Y′—ONO₂)—C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂)

(a10) —R^(1b)—CH(C(O)-T-Y′—ONO₂)—NH-(T′-Y—ONO₂)

wherein:

R₁ is selected from:

-   -   A1) H, —CH₃, isopropyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl,         methylthio-(CH₂)₂—, phenyl, benzyl, C₆H₅—CH₂—CH₂—,         2-monosubstituted benzyl, or 3-monosubstituted benzyl or         4-monosubstituted benzyl wherein the substituent of the benzyl         is selected from —F, —Cl, I, —NO₂, —CF₃, —CH₃, CN, C₆H₅CO—;

2,4-dichlorobenzyl, 3,4-dichlorobenzyl, 3,4-difluorobenzyl, 2-pyrrolidyl, 3-triptophanyl-CH₂—, 3-benzothienyl-CH₂—, 4-imidazolyl-CH₂—, 9-anthranyl-CH₂—, cyclohexyl, cyclohexyl-CH₂—, cyclohexyl-(CH₂)₂, cyclopentyl-CH₂—, (C₆H₅)₂CH—, 4-B(OH)-2-benzyl, 4-quinolyl-CH₂—, 3-quinolyl-CH₂—, 2-quinolyl-CH₂—, 2-quinoxalyl-CH₂—, 2-furyl-CH₂—, 1-naphtyl-CH₂—, 2-naphtyl-CH₂—, 2-pyridyl-CH₂—, 3-pyridyl-CH₂—, 4-pyridyl-CH₂—, 2-thienyl-CH₂—, 3-thienyl-CH₂—, C₆H₄—CH═CH—CH₂—, CH₂═CH—CH₂—, CH≡CH—CH₂—, NH₂—CO—CH₂—, NH₂—CO—(CH₂)₂—, NH₂ (═NH)NH—(CH₂)₃—, P(═O)(OCH₃)₂, I—CH₂—, preferably R₁ is H, —CH₃, isopropyl, benzyl;

-   -   A2) —CH₂—SH, —CH₂—OH, —CH(CH₃)—OH, —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)],         —CH₂-[(C₆H₂)-(3,5-diiodo)-(4-OH)],         —CH₂-[(C₆H₃)-(3-nitro)-(4-OH)], preferably R₁ is —CH₂—OH or         —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)];     -   A3) —CH₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₃—NHR″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein         R″ is H, —C(O)CH₃ or

wherein R^(5a) is H or a linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl chain, preferably R^(5a) is H or a linear (C₁-C₅) alkyl, preferably R₁ is —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is as above defined,

-   -   A4) —CH₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)R″′ wherein R″′         is —OR^(5a) or

wherein R^(5a) is as above defined, preferably R¹ is —CH₂—C(O)R″′, wherein R″′ is as above defined, R^(1a) is selected from:

-   -   A5) —CH₂—S—, —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)—O—, —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—],         —CH₂-[(3,5-diiodo)-(C₆H₂)-(4-O)—],         —CH₂-[(3-nitro)-(C₆H₃)-(4-O)—], preferably R^(1a) is —CH₂—O—;     -   A6) —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, preferably         R^(1a) is —(CH₂)₄—NH— or —CH₂—NH—,     -   A7) —CH₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—, preferably R^(1a)         is —CH₂—C(O)—;         R^(3a) is selected from H, —R^(5a) or

wherein R^(5a) is as above defined,

R^(4a) is selected from H or —C(O)CH₃ or

wherein R^(5a) is as above defined, R^(1b) is selected from

-   -   A8) —S—CH₂—, —O—CH(CH₃)—, —O—CH₂—, [-(4-O)—(C₆H₄)]—CH₂—,         [-(4-O)-(3,5-diiodo)-(C₆H₂)]—CH₂—,         [-(4-O)-(3-nitro)-(C₆H₃)]—CH₂—, preferably R^(1b) is —O—CH₂— or         [—(4-O)—(C₆H₄)]—CH₂—;     -   A9) —HN—CH₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₃—, —HN—(CH₂)₄—, preferably         R^(1b) is —HN—(CH₂)₄— or —HN—CH₂—;     -   A10) —C(O)—CH₂—, —C(O)—(CH₂)₂—, —C(O)—(CH₂)₄—, preferably R^(1b)         is —C(O)—CH₂—;         T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or

—O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined;

T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″— wherein X″ is —O— or —S—, or T′ is —C(O)—NR′— wherein R′ is as above defined; T″ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O—, wherein X″ and R′ are as above defined, with the proviso that T″ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″— or —C(O)—NR′—when T″ is linked to —NH—, —O—, or —S—, or T″ is —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— when T″ is linked to —C(O)—, Y and Y′ are as below defined; or R_(x) is selected from:

B)

(b1) —HN—CH(R₂)—CH₂—C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂)

(b2) —C(O)—CH₂—CH(R₂)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂)

(b3) —HN—CH(R^(2a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—CH₂COOR^(3a)

(b4) —C(O)—CH₂—CH(R^(2a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—NHR^(4a)

(b5) —R^(2b)—CH(NHR^(4a))—CH₂C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂)

(b6) —R^(2b)—CH(CH₂COOR^(3a))NH-(T′-Y—ONO₂)

(b7) —HN—CH(R^(2a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—CH₂—C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂)

(b8) —C(O)—CH₂—CH(R^(2a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂)

(b9) —R^(2b)—CH(NH-T′Y′—ONO₂)—CH₂C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂)

(b10) —R^(2b)—CH(CH₂C(O)-T-Y′—ONO₂)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂)

wherein

R₂ is selected from:

B1) H, —CH₃, CF₃, isopropyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, methylthio-(CH₂)₂—, phenyl, benzyl, 3-triptophanyl-CH₂—, NH₂—C(O)—CH₂—, NH₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₂—, NH₂ (═NH)NH—(CH₂)₃—, tBuO-CH(CH₃)—, benzyl-O—CH₂—, 4-terbutoxy-benzyl, 4-phenylbenzyl, preferably R₂ is H, —CH₃, isopropyl, benzyl,

B2) —CH₂—SH, —CH₂—OH, —CH(CH₃)—OH, —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)], —CH₂-[(C₆H₂)-(3,5-diiodo)-(4-OH)], —CH₂-[(C₆H₃)-(3-nitro)-(4-OH)];

B3) —CH₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₃—NHR″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is as above defined, preferably R₂ is —(CH₂)₄—NHR″;

B4) —CH₂—C(O)—R″′, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—R″′, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—R″′ wherein R″′ is as above defined, preferably R₂ is —CH₂—C(O)—R″′;

R^(2a) is selected from:

B5) —CH₂—S—, —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)—O— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], —CH₂-[(3,5-diiodo)-(C₆H₂)-(4-O)—], —CH₂-[(3-nitro)-(C₆H₃)-(4-O)—], preferably R^(2a) is —CH₂—O—;

B6) —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, preferably R^(2a) is —(CH₂)₄—NH— or —CH₂—NH—;

B7) —CH₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—, preferably R^(2a) is —CH₂—C(O)—;

R^(2b) is selected from

B8) —S—CH₂—, —O—CH(CH₃)—, —O—CH₂—, [-(4-O)—(C₆H₄)]—CH₂—, [-(4-O)-(3,5-diiodo)-(C₆H₂)]—CH₂—, [-(4-O)-(3-nitro)-(C₆H₃)]—CH₂—, preferably R^(2b) is —O—CH₂— or [-(4-O)—(C₆H₄)]—CH₂—;

B9) —HN—CH₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₃—, —HN—(CH₂)₄—, preferably R^(2b) is —HN—(CH₂)₄— or —HN—CH₂—;

B10) —C(O)—CH₂—, —C(O)—(CH₂)₂—, —C(O)—(CH₂)₄—, preferably R^(2b) is —C(O)—CH₂—;

R^(3a) and R^(4a) are as above defined; T, T″ and T″ are as above defined and Y and Y′ are as below defined; or R_(x) is selected from:

C)

(c1) —HN—(CH₂)_(b)—C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂); (c2) —C(O)—(CH₂)_(b)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂); wherein b is an integer from 3 to 6, T and T″ are as above defined and Y and Y′ are as below defined;

D)

(d1) —HN—CH(R₁₂)—CH₂—O-(T″′-Y—ONO₂) (d2) —O—CH₂—CH(R₁₂)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂) (d3) —HN—CH(R^(12a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—CH₂OH (d4) —O—CH₂—CH(R^(12a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—NHR^(4a) (d5) —R^(12b)—CH(NHR^(4a))—CH₂—O-(T″′-Y—ONO₂) (d6) —R^(12b)—CH(CH₂OH)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂) (d7) —HN—CH(R^(12a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—CH₂—O-(T″′-Y—ONO₂) (d8) —O—CH₂—CH(R^(12a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂) (d9) —R^(12b)—CH(NH-T′Y′—ONO₂)—CH₂—O-(T″′-Y—ONO₂) (d10) —R^(12b)—CH(CH₂—O-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂) wherein T″′ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)X″— wherein X″ is —O— or —S—, or —C(O)—NR′— wherein R′ is as above defined; T′ and T″ are as above defined, Y and Y′ are as below defined; R₁₂ is selected from:

D1) H, —CH₃, isopropyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, methylthio-(CH₂) benzyl, 3-triptophanyl-CH₂—, 4-imidazolyl-CH₂—, NH₂—CO—CH₂—, NH₂—CO—(CH₂)₂—, NH₂(═NH)NH—(CH₂)₃—, preferably R₁₂ is H;

D2) —CH₂—OH, —CH(CH₃)—OH, —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)], —CH₂-[(C₆H₃)-(3,5-diiodo)-(4-OH)], —CH₂-[(C₆H₃)-(3-nitro)-(4-OH)], preferably R₁₂ is —CH₂—OH or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)];

D3) —CH₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₃—NHR″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is as above defined, preferably R₁₂ is —(CH₂)₄—NHR″;

D4) —CH₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)R″′ wherein R″′ is as above defined, preferably R₁₂ is —CH₂—C(O)R″′; R^(12a) is selected from

D5) —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)—O— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], —CH₂-[3,5-diiodo-(C₆H₂)-(4-O)—], —CH₂-[3-nitro-(C₆H₃)-4-O—], preferably R^(12a) is CH₂—O— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—],

D6) —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, preferably R^(12a) is —(CH₂)₄—NH— or —CH₂—NH—,

D7) —CH₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—, preferably R^(12a) is —CH₂—C(O)—,

R^(12b) is selected from

D8) —O—CH₂—, —O—CH(CH₃)—, [-(4-O)—(C₆H₄)]—CH₂—, [-(4-O)-(3,5-diiodo)-(C₆H₂)]—CH₂, [-(4-O)-(3-nitro)-(C₆H₃)]—CH₂—, preferably R^(12b) is —O—CH₂— or [-(4-O)—(C₆H₄)]—CH₂—;

D9) —HN—CH₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₃—, —HN—(CH₂)₄—, preferably R^(12b) is —HN—(CH₂)₄— or —HN—CH₂—;

D10) —C(O)—CH₂—, —C(O)—(CH₂)₂—, —C(O)—(CH₂)₄—, preferably R^(12b) is —C(O)—CH₂—;

R^(4a) is as above defined; or R^(x) is selected from:

wherein c is equal to 0 or 1, d is an integer from 0 to 3 with the proviso that c is 0 or 1 when d is 0 and c is 0 when d is 1, 2 or 3, T and T″ are as above defined and Y is as below defined;

wherein e and f are equal to 0 or 1, with the proviso that f is 0 when e is 0 and f is 0 or 1 when e is 1, T and T″ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein R³ is H, CH₃, propyl, (C₆H₅)₂CH—, 1-naphtyl-CH₂—, benzyl, allyl, 2-bromobenzyl, 2-chlorobenzyl, 3-chlorobenzyl, 4-fluorobenzyl, 4-bromobenzyl, 4-methylbenzyl, preferably R₃ is H, T and T″ are as above defined and Y is as below defined;

wherein R₄ is H, benzyl, 4-bromobenzyl, 2-bromobenzyl, T and T″ are as above defined and Y is as below defined;

wherein R₅ is H, R₆ is H, or R₅ and R₆ when taken together are a double bond, T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T″ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein c is as above defined, d is equal to 0 or 1, T and T″ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein R₇ is H, R₈ is H, or R₇ and R₈ when taken together are a double bond, c is as above defined, T and T″ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T″ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T″ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein R₉ and R₁₀ are H, CH₃, R₁₁ is CH₃ or 4-piperidinyl with the proviso that R₉ and R₁₀ are H when R₁₁ is 4-piperidinyl and R₉ and R₁₀ are CH₃ when R₁₁ is CH₃, T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below reported; with the proviso that in the formula (I): a is 0 or a is 1 and Z is —CH(R′)—O— wherein R′ is as above defined, when R_(x) is:

-   -   (a2), (a4) or (a8);     -   (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) and R^(1b) is selected from the group         A10);     -   (b2), (b4) or (b8);     -   (b5), (b6), (b9) or (b10) and R^(2b) is selected from the group         B10);     -   (c2);     -   (d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10) and R^(12b) is selected from the group         D10);     -   (e2), (f1), (g2), (h1), (i1), (l2), (m2), (n2), (o2), (p2),         (q2), (r2), (s2), (t1) or (u2);         a is 1 and Z is —C(O)—, when R_(x) is:     -   (a1), (a3) or (a7);     -   (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) and R^(1b) is selected from the groups         A8) and A9);     -   (b1), (b3) or (b7);     -   (b5), (b6), (b9) or (b10) and R^(2b) is selected from the groups         B8) or B9);     -   (c1)     -   (d1), (d2), (d3), (d4), (d7) or (d8);     -   (d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10) and R^(12b) is selected from the         groups D8) or D9);     -   (e1), (f2), (g1), (h2), (i2), (l1), (ml), (n1), (o1), (p1),         (q1), (r1), (s1), (t2) or (u1).         Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals each independently selected from         the following meanings:         a)     -   straight or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene, preferably a straight or         branched C₁-C₁₀ alkylene,     -   straight or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene substituted with one or         more of the substituents selected from the group consisting of:         halogen atoms, hydroxy, —ONO₂ or T₂, wherein T₂ is —OC(O)(C₁-C₁₀         alkyl)-ONO₂ or —O(C₁-C₁₀ alkyl)-ONO₂, preferably Y or Y′ is a         straight or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with a —ONO₂         group;     -   cycloalkylene with 5 to 7 carbon atoms into cycloalkylene ring,         the ring being optionally substituted with one or more straight         or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl chains, preferably the ring being         optionally substituted with CH₃;

wherein n⁰ is an integer from 0 to 20, preferably n⁰ is 0 or 1; n¹ is 0 or 1, preferably n¹ is 1; U is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group, preferably U is a linear C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or U is a linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with a —ONO₂ group;

wherein n⁰ is an integer from 0 to 20, preferably n⁰ is 0 or 1; n1 is 0 or 1, preferably n¹ is 1; U is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group, preferably U is a linear C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or U is a linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with a —ONO₂ group;

wherein: n² is an integer from 0 to 2, R₁₃ is H or CH₃, T₁ is —O—C(O)— or —C(O)O—; n¹ and U are as above defined;

n² is an integer from 0 to 2, preferably n² is 1; R₁₃ is H or CH₃, preferably R₁₃ is CH₃; Y¹ is —CH₂—CH₂— or —CH═CH—(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)—, wherein n^(2′) is 0 or 1, preferably Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)— and n^(2′) is 0; T₁=—O—C(O)— or —C(O)O—, preferably Ti is —C(O)O—; n¹ is 0 or 1, preferably n¹ is 1; U is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group, preferably U is a linear C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or U is a linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with a —ONO₂ group; more preferably n² is 1, R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂) n^(2′)— and n^(2′) is 0, T₁ is —C(O)O— and U is a linear C₁-C₁₀ alkylene;

wherein: n² is an integer from 0 to 2, preferably n² is 1; R₁₃ is H or CH₃, preferably R₁₃ is CH₃; Y¹ is —CH₂—CH₂— or —(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)—CH═CH—, wherein n^(2′) is 0 or 1, preferably Y¹ is —(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)—CH═CH— and n^(2′) is 0;

(T₁)′=—O—C(O)—;

n¹ is 0 or 1, preferably n¹ is 1; U is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group, preferably U is a linear C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or U is a linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with a —ONO₂ group; more preferably n² is 1, R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂) n^(2′)— and n^(2′) is 0, T₁ is —OC(O)— and U is a linear C₁-C₁₀ alkylene;

wherein T₂ is —O— or —S—, —NH—, preferably T₂ is —O—, n³ is an integer from 1 to 6, preferably n³ is 1; when Y and Y′ are selected from b), c), d), e), e′) or f), the —ONO₂ group of -(T-Y—ONO₂), -(T′-Y—ONO₂), -(T″-Y′—ONO₂), -(T′-Y′—ONO₂), -(T″′-Y—ONO₂) and -(T″′-Y′—ONO₂) is linked to the —(CH₂)*— group;

wherein: n⁴ is an integer from 0 to 10, preferably n⁴ is 0 or 1; n⁵ is an integer from 1 to 10, preferably n⁵ is 1;

R₁₄, R₁₅, R₁₆, R₁₇ are the same or different, and are H or straight or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl, preferably R₁₄, R₁₅, R₁₆ and R₁₇ are H;

wherein the —ONO₂ group is linked to

wherein n⁵ is as defined above;

Y² is an heterocyclic saturated, unsaturated or aromatic 5 or 6 members ring, containing one or more heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur,

and is selected from the group consisting of:

The term “C₁-C₁₀ alkyl” as used herein refers to branched or straight alkyl groups including methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, octyl and the like.

The term “cycloalkylene” as used herein refers to ring having from 5 to 7 carbon atoms including, but not limited to, cyclopentylene, cyclohexylene optionally substituted with side chains such as straight or branched (C₁-C₁₀)-alkyl, preferably CH₃.

The term “heterocyclic” as used herein refers to saturated, unsaturated or aromatic 5 or 6 members ring, containing one or more heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur, such as for example pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyrrolidine, morpholine, imidazole and the like.

Preferred compounds of formula (I) are those wherein R is the residue of the corticosteroid selected from the group consisting of alclometasone, alclomethasone-17-propionate, betamethasone-17-benzoate, betamethasone-17-butyrate, betamethasone-17-propionate, betamethasone-17-valerate, clocortolone, cloprednol, corticosterone, cortisone, desonide, dexamethasone, dexamethasone-17-acetate, dexamethasone-17-propionate, diflorasone, diflorasone-17-acetate, difluocortolone, fludrocortisone, flucloronide, fluocortin, fluocortolone, fluperolone, fluprednidene, fluprednisolone, flurandrenolide, halomethasone, halomethasone-17-propionate, halopredone, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone-17-butyrate, hydrocortisone-17-valerate, meprednisone, methylprednisolone, paramethasone, prednisolone, prednisolone-17-ethylcarbonate, prednisone, prednival, prednylidene, triamcinolone, triamcinolone 16-acetate, 3-(2-chloroethoxy)-9-fluoro-11β,16α,17,21-tetrahydroxy-20-oxopregna-3,5-diene-6-carboxaldehyde; 5-pregnene-3β,21-diol-20-one; (11β,16α)-16,17-[cyclopentylidenebis(oxy)]-11,21-dihydroxy-9-fluoro-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione; 6,16α-dimethyl-11β,17α,21-trihydroxy-2′-phenyl[3,2-c]pyrazolo-4,6-pregnadien-20-one; (11β,16β-11,21-dihydroxy-2′-methyl-5′H-pregna-1,4-dieno[17,16-d]oxazole-3,20-dione; (11β,16β-11,21-dihydroxy-9-fluoro-2′-methyl-5/H-pregna-1,4-dieno[17,16-d]oxazole-3,2,0-dione; (6α,11β,16α)-6,9-difluoro-11,21-dihydroxy-16,17-[(1-methylethylidene)bis(oxy)]pregna-1,4-diene-3,2,0-dione; [(8R,10S,13S,14R,17R)-17-hydroxy-10,13-dimethoxy-3-oxo-2,6,7,8,12,14,15,16-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]-2-oxo-ethanol; (6a,11β)-6,9-difluoro-11,21-dihydroxy-17-(1-oxobutoxy)pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione; (11β,16β-16,17-[[(R)-cyclohexylmethylene]bis(oxy)-11,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,2,0-dione.

Preferred compounds of formula (I) for the treatment of respiratory diseases, in particular asthma and COPD, are those wherein R is the residue of the corticosteroid selected from the group consisting of dexamethasone, dexamethasone-17-acetete, dexamethasone-17-propionate, prednisolone, prednisone, (11β,16β)-16,17-[[(R)-cyclohexylmethylene]bis(oxy)-11,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,2,0-dione.

Preferred compounds of formula (I) for the treatment of ocular diseases, in particular ocular hypertension, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy and retinal vasculopathies, are those wherein R is the residue of the corticosteroid selected from the group consisting of dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, triamcinolone, [(8R,10S,13S,14R,17R)-17-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-3-oxo-2,6,7,8,12,14,15,16-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]-2-oxo-ethanol; diflorasone, diflorasone-17-acetate; (11β,16β)-16,17-[[(R)-cyclohexylmethylene]bis(oxy)-11,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,2,0-dione.

Preferred compounds of formula (I) for the treatment of inflammatory diseases are those wherein R is the residue of the corticosteroid selected from the group consisting of betamethasone 17-benzoate, betamethasone 17-butyrate, betamethasone 17-propionate, betamethasone 17-valerate, cloprednol, corticosterone, cortisone, dexamethasone, fludrocortisone, flucloronide, fluocortolone, fluprednisolone, hydrocortisone, meprednisone, methylprednisolone, paramethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, prednival, prednylidene, triamcinolone, 5-pregnene-3β,21-diol-20-one, 6,16α-dimethyl-11β,17α,21-trihydroxy-2′-phenyl[3,2-c]pyrazolo-4,6-pregnadien-20-one; (11β,16β)-11,21-dihydroxy-2′-methyl-5/H-pregna-1,4-dieno[17,16-d]oxazole-3,20-dione; (11β,16β)-11,21-dihydroxy-9-fluoro-2′-methyl-5′H-pregna-1,4-dieno[17,16-d]oxazole-3,20-dione; 3-(2-chloroethoxy)-9-fluoro-11β,16α,17,21-tetrahydroxy-20-oxopregna-3,5-diene-6-carboxaldehyde.

Preferred compounds of formula (I) for the treatment of dermatological diseases, in particular corticosteroid-responsive dermatosis, atopic dermatitis, inflammation, eczema, erythema, papulation, scaling, erosion, oozing, crusting, pruritis, psoriasis, epidermalysis bullosa, erythema, hidradenitis suppurative, warts, diaper rash, jock itch, ruber lichen planus, are those wherein R is the residue of the corticosteroid selected from the group consisting of alclometasone, betamethasone-17-butyrate, betamethasone-17-propionate, betamethasone-17-benzoate, betamethasone-17-valerate, clocortolone, desonide, desoximethasone, dexamethasone, dexamethasone-17-acetate, dexamethasone-17-propionate, diflorasone, diflorasone-17-acetate, difluocortolone, flumethasone, flucloronide, fluocortolone, flurandrenolide, halomethasone, halomethasone-17-propionate, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone-17-butyrate, hydrocortisone-17-valerate, methylprednisolone, prednisolone-17-ethylcarbonate, triamcinolone, alclomethasone 17-propionate, (11β,16α)-16,17-[cyclopentylidenebis(oxy)]-11,21-dihydroxy-9-fluoro-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione; (6α,11β)-6,9-difluoro-11,21-dihydroxy-17-(1-oxobutoxy)pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione; (6α,11β,16α)-6,9-difluoro-11,21-dihydroxy-16,17-[(1-methylethylidene)bis(oxy)]pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione; fluprednidene, halopredone.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein

R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) as above defined;

a=0 or a=1 and Z is —CH(R′)—O— wherein R′ is selected from H or straight or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl, preferably R′ is CH₃;

R_(X) is selected from the following meanings

-   -   (a2) wherein R₁ is selected from A1), A2), A3) or A4);     -   (a4) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5), A6) or A7);     -   (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) wherein R^(1b) is selected from A10);     -   (a8) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6) or A7);     -   (b2) wherein R₂ is selected from B1);     -   (g2) wherein R₃ is H;

T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined;

T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″—, —O— or —S—, or —C(O)—NR′, wherein X″ and R′ are as above defined;

T″ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—, —C(O)—X″—, wherein X″ is —O— or —S—, —NR′—;

Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from a), b), c), e) or f).

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein

R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) as above defined;

a=0 or a=1 and Z is —CH(R′)—O— wherein R′ is selected from H or straight or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl, preferably R′ is CH₃;

R_(X) is

-   -   (a2) wherein         R₁ of the group A1) is selected from H, isobutyl, benzyl,         C₆H₅—CH₂—CH₂—, 2-monosubstituted benzyl, or 3-monosubstituted         benzyl or 4-monosubstituted benzyl, or         R₁ of the group A2) is selected from —CH₂—OH, —CH(CH₃)OH— or         —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)], or         R₁ of the group A3) is selected from —CH₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″,         —(CH₂)₃—NHR″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is H, or         R₁ of the group A4) is selected from —CH₂—C(O)R″′,         —(CH₂)₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)R″′ wherein R″′ is OH;

or R_(X) is

(a4) wherein R^(1a) of the group A5) is selected from —CH₂—O—, CH(CH₃)O— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], or

R^(1a) of the group A6) is selected from —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, or R^(1a) of the group A7) is selected from —CH₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—;

or R_(X) is selected from

(a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) wherein

R^(1b) of the group A10) is selected from —C(O)—CH₂—, —C(O)—(CH₂)₂—, —C(O)—(CH₂)₄—;

or R_(X) is

(a8) wherein

R^(1a) of the group A5) is selected from —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)—O— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], or R^(1a) of the group A6) is selected from —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, or R^(1a) of the group A7) is selected from —CH₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—;

or R_(X) is

(b2) wherein

R₂ of the group B1) is selected from H, CH₃, isobutyl, isopropyl, benzyl;

T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined;

T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—;

T″ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, —C(O)—NR′—, —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—;

Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from

a) C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with —ONO₂,

b) wherein n¹ is 0 or n¹ is 1;

e) wherein n² is 1, R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)—, wherein n^(2′) is 0 and Ti is —C(O) and n¹ is 0 or 1, U is a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group;

f) wherein T₂ is —O, R₁₃ is H and n³ is 1.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein

R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) as above defined;

a=1 and Z is —C(O)—;

R_(X) is selected from

-   -   (a1) wherein R₁ is selected from A1), A2), A3) or A4);     -   (a3) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5), A6) or A7);     -   (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) wherein R^(1b) is selected from A8) or         A9);     -   (a7) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6) or A7);     -   (b1) wherein R₂ is selected from B1);         -   (d1) or (d2) wherein R₁₂ is selected from D1), D2), D3) or             D4);     -   (d3), (d4), (d7) or (d8) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D5),         D6) or D7);     -   (d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10) wherein R^(12b) is selected from D8)         or D9);     -   (g1) wherein R₃ is H;

T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined;

T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—;

T″ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, —C(O)—NR′—, —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—;

T″′ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—;

Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from a), b), e) or f).

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein

R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) as above defined;

a=1 and Z is —C(O)—;

R_(X) is

-   -   (a1) wherein         R₁ of the group A1) is selected from H, isobutyl, benzyl,         C₆H₅—CH₂—CH₂—, 2-monosubstituted benzyl, or 3-monosubstituted         benzyl or 4-monosubstituted benzyl, or         R₁ of the group A2) is selected from —CH₂—OH, —CH(CH₃)—OH— or         —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)], or         R₁ of the group A3) is selected from —CH₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″,         —(CH₂)₃—NHR″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is H, or         R₁ of the group A4) is —CH₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)R″′,         —(CH₂)₄—C(O)R″′ wherein R″′ is OH;

or R_(X) is

-   -   (a3) wherein         R^(1a) of the group A5) is selected from —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)O— or         —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], or         R^(1a) of the group A6) is selected from —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—,         —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, or         R^(1a) of the group A7) is —CH₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—,         —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—;

or R_(X) is

(a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) wherein

R^(1b) of the group A8) is selected from —O—CH(CH₃)—, —O—CH₂—, [(4-O)—(C₆H₄)]—CH₂—, or R^(1b) of the group A9) is selected from —HN—CH₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₃—, —HN—(CH₂)₄—;

or R_(X) is

-   -   (a7) wherein         R^(1a) of the group A5) is selected from —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)—O— or         —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], or         R^(1a) of the group A6) is selected from —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—,         —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, or         R^(1a) of the group A7) is —CH₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—,         —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—;

or R_(X) is

-   -   (b1) wherein         R₂ of the group B1) is selected from H, CH₃, isobutyl,         isopropyl, benzyl;

or R_(X) is selected from

-   -   (d1) or (d2), wherein         R₁₂ of the group D1) is selected from H, CH₃, isobutyl,         isopropyl, benzyl, or R₁₂ of the group D2) is selected from         —CH₂—OH, —CH(CH₃)OH— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)], or         R₁₂ of the group D3) is selected from —CH₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″,         —(CH₂)₃—NHR″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is H, or         R₁₂ of the group D4) is —CH₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)R″′,         —(CH₂)₄—C(O)R″′ wherein R″′ is OH;

or R_(X) is selected from

-   -   (d3), (d4), (d7) or (d8) wherein         R^(12a) of the group D5) is selected from —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)—O—         or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], or         R^(12a) of the group D6) is selected from —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—,         —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, or         R^(12a) of the group D7) is —CH₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—,         —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—;

or R_(X) is selected from

-   -   (d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10) wherein         R^(12b) of the group D8) is selected from —O—CH(CH₃)—, —O—CH₂—,         [(4-O)—(C₆H₄)]—CH₂—, or         R^(12b) of the group D9) is selected from —HN—CH₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₂—,         —HN—(CH₂)₃—, —HN—(CH₂)₄—;

T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined;

T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—;

T″ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, —C(O)—NR′—, —O—, —S—, —NR′— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—;

Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from

a) C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with —ONO₂,

b) wherein n¹ is 0 or n¹ is 1

e) wherein n² is 1, R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂) n^(2′), wherein n^(2′) is 0 and Ti is —C(O) and n¹ is 0 or 1, U is a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group;

f) wherein T₂ is —O, R₁₃ is H and n³ is 1.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein

R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) as above defined;

a=0 or a=1 and Z is —CH(R′)—O—;

R_(X) is selected from

(d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10) wherein R^(12b) is selected from D10);

T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—;

T″′ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—;

Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from

a) C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with —ONO₂,

b) wherein n¹ is 0 or n¹ is 1;

e) wherein n² is 1, R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂) n^(2′)—, wherein

n^(2′) is 0 and Ti is —C(O) and n¹ is 0 or 1, U is a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group;

f) wherein T₂ is —O, R₁₃ is H and n³ is 1.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein

R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) as above defined;

a=1 and Z is —C(O)—;

R_(X) is

(d1) wherein

R₁₂ is selected from D1);

T″′ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—;

Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from

a) C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with —ONO₂,

b) wherein n¹ is 0 or n¹ is 1;

e) wherein n² is 1, R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂) n^(2′)—, wherein _(n) ^(2′) is 0 and T₁ is —C(O) and n¹ is 0 or 1, U is a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group;

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein

R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R₃ is H;

R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₂ is H; R₃ is H;

R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ and R₂ are taken together to form a group of formula (III) wherein R_(A1) is CH₃ and R_(A2) is H, and R₁ and R₂ are linked to the carbon atoms in 17 and 16 of the steroidal structure in position α,

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OC(O)O_(m)R_(i) wherein m is 0 and R_(i) is —CH₂CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R₈ is H; R_(8A) is H; R₉ is H; R₁₀ is H;

R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond;

R₁₀ is H;

R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

and wherein

a=0 or a=1 and Z is —CH(R′)O— wherein R′ is selected from H or straight or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl, preferably R′ is CH₃;

R_(X) is selected from

-   -   (a2) wherein R₁ is selected from A1), A2), A3) or A4);     -   (a4) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5), A6) or A7);     -   (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) wherein R^(1b) is selected from A10);     -   (a8) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6) or A7);     -   (b2) wherein R₂ is selected from B1);     -   (g2) wherein R₃ is H;

T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined;

T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″—, wherein X″ is —O— or —S—, or —C(O)—NR′—, wherein R′ is defined above;

T″ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″— wherein X″ is —O— or —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—;

Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from a), b), d), e) or f).

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein

R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R₃ is H;

R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₂ is H; R₃ is H;

R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ and R₂ are taken together to form a group of formula (III) wherein R_(A1) is CH₃ and R_(A2) is H, and R₁ and R₂ are linked to the carbon atoms in 17 and 16 of the steroidal structure in position α,

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OC(O)O_(m)R_(i) wherein m is O and R_(i) is —CH₂CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R₈ is H; R_(8A) is H; R₉ is H; R₁₀ is H;

R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond;

R₁₀ is H;

R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

and wherein

a=0 or a=1 and Z is —CH(R′)—O— wherein R′ is selected from H or straight or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl, preferably R′ is CH₃;

R_(X) is

-   -   (a2) wherein         R₁ of the group A1) is selected from H, isobutyl, benzyl,         C₆H₅—CH₂—CH₂—, 2-monosubstituted benzyl, or 3-monosubstituted         benzyl or 4-monosubstituted benzyl, or         R₁ of the group A2) is selected from —CH₂—OH, —CH(CH₃)OH— or         —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)], or         R₁ of the group A3) is selected from —CH₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″,         —(CH₂)₃—NHR″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is H, or         R₁ of the group A4) is selected from —CH₂—C(O)R″′,         —(CH₂)₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)R″′ wherein R″′ is OH;

or R_(X) is

-   -   (a4) wherein         R^(1a) of the group A5) is selected from —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)O— or         —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], or         R^(1a) of the group A6) is selected from —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—,         —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, or         R^(1a) of the group A7) is —CH₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—,         —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—;

or R_(X) is selected from

-   -   (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) wherein         R^(1b) of the group A10) is selected from —C(O)—CH₂—,         —C(O)—(CH₂)₂—, —C(O)—(CH₂)₄—;

or R_(X) is

-   -   (a8) wherein         R^(1a) of the group A5) is selected from —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)—O— or         —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], or         R^(1a) of the group A6) is selected from —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—,         —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, or         R^(1a) of the group A7) is selected from —CH₂—C(O)—,         —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—;

or R_(X) is

-   -   (b2) wherein         R₂ of the group B1) is selected from H, CH₃, isobutyl,         isopropyl, benzyl;

T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined;

T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—;

T″ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, —C(O)—NR′—, —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—;

Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from

a) C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with —ONO₂,

b) wherein n¹ is 0 or n¹ is 1;

e) wherein n² is 1, R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂) n^(2′)—, wherein n^(2′) is 0 and Ti is —C(O) and n¹ is 0 or 1, U is a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group;

f) wherein T₂ is —O, R₁₃ is H and n³ is 1.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein

R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R₃ is H;

R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₂ is H; R₃ is H;

R⁴ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ and R₂ are taken together to form a group of formula (III) wherein R_(A1) is CH₃ and R_(A2) is H, and R₁ and R₂ are linked to the carbon atoms in 17 and 16 of the steroidal structure in position α,

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OC(O)O_(m)R_(i) wherein m is 0 and R_(i) is —CH₂CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R₈ is H; R_(8A) is H; R₉ is H; R₁₀ is H;

R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond;

R₁₀ is H;

R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

and wherein

a=1 and Z is —C(O)—;

R_(X) is selected from

-   -   (a1) wherein R₁ is selected from A1), A2), A3) or A4);     -   (a3) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5), A6) or A7);     -   (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) wherein R^(1b) is selected from A8) or         A9);     -   (a7) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6) or A7);     -   (b1) wherein R₂ is selected from B1);         -   (d1) or (d2) wherein R₁₂ is selected from D1), D2), D3) or             D4);     -   (d3), (d4), (d7) or (d8) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D5),         D6) or D7);     -   (d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10) wherein R^(12b) is selected from D8)         or D9);     -   (g1) wherein R₃ is H;

T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined;

T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—;

T″ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, —C(O)—NR′—, —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—;

T″′ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—;

Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from a), b), d), e) or f).

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein

R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R₃ is H;

R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₂ is H; R₃ is H;

R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ and R₂ are taken together to form a group of formula (III) wherein R_(A1) is CH₃ and R_(A2) is H, and R₁ and R₂ are linked to the carbon atoms in 17 and 16 of the steroidal structure in position α,

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OC(O)O_(m)R_(i) wherein m is 0 and R_(i) is —CH₂CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R₈ is H; R_(8A) is H; R₉ is H; R₁₀ is H;

R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond;

R₁₀ is H;

R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

and wherein

a=1 and Z is —C(O)—;

R_(X) is

-   -   (a1) wherein         R₁ of the group A1) is H, isobutyl, benzyl, C₆H₅—CH₂—CH₂—,         2-monosubstituted benzyl, or 3-monosubstituted benzyl or         4-monosubstituted benzyl or         R₁ of the group A2) is —CH₂—OH, —CH(CH₃)OH— or         —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)] or         R₁ of the group A3) is —CH₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₃—NHR″,         —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is H or         R₁ of the group A4) is —CH₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)R″′,         —(CH₂)₄—C(O)R″′ wherein R″′ is OH;

or R_(X) is

-   -   (a3) wherein         R^(1a) of the group A5) is selected from —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)O— or         —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], or         R^(1a) of the group A6) is selected from —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—,         —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, or         R^(1a) of the group A7) is selected from —CH₂—C(O)—,         —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—;

or R_(X) is selected from

-   -   (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) wherein         R^(1b) of the group A8) is selected from —O—CH(CH₃)—, —O—CH₂—,         [(4-O)—(C₆H₄)]—CH₂—, or         R^(1b) of the group A9) is selected from —HN—CH₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₂—,         —HN—(CH₂)₃—, —HN—(CH₂)₄—;

or R_(X) is

-   -   (a7) wherein         R^(1a) of the group A5) is selected from —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)—O— or         —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], or         R^(1a) of A6) is selected from —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—,         —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, or         R^(1a) of the group A7) is selected from —CH₂—C(O)—,         —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—;

or R_(X) is

-   -   (b1) wherein         R of the group B1) is selected from H, CH₃, isobutyl, isopropyl,         benzyl;

or R_(X) is selected from

-   -   (d1) or (d2) wherein         R₁₂ of the group D1) is selected from H, CH₃, isobutyl,         isopropyl, benzyl, or         R₁₂ of the group D2) is selected from —CH₂—OH, —CH(CH₃)OH— or         —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)], or         R₁₂ of the group D3) is selected from —CH₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″,         —(CH₂)₃—NHR″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is H, or         R₁₂ of the group D4) is selected from —CH₂—C(O)R″′,         —(CH₂)₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)R″′ wherein R″′ is OH;

or R_(X) is selected from

-   -   (d3), (d4), (d7) or (d8) wherein         R^(12a) of the group D5) is selected from —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)—O—         or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], or         R^(12a) of the group D6) is selected from —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—,         —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, or         R^(12a) of the group D7) is —CH₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—,         —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—;

or R_(X) is selected from

-   -   (d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10) wherein         R^(12b) of the group D8) is selected from —O—CH(CH₃)—, —O—CH₂—,         [(4-O)—(C₆H₄)]—CH₂—, or         R^(12b) of the group D9) is selected from —HN—CH₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₂—,         —HN—(CH₂)₃—, —HN—(CH₂)₄—;         T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or         —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined;         T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—;         T″ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″         is —S— or —O—, —C(O)—NR′—, —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—;         Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from         a) C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with —ONO₂;         b) wherein n¹ is 0 or n¹ is 1;         e) wherein n² is 1, R is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂) n wherein         n^(2′) is 0 and Ti is —C(O) and n¹ is 0 or 1, U is a C₁-C₁₀         alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group;         f) wherein T₂ is —O, R₁₃ is H and n³ is 1.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein

R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R₃ is H;

R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₂ is H; R₃ is H;

R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ and R₂ are taken together to form a group of formula (III) wherein R_(A1) is CH₃ and R_(A2) is H, and R₁ and R₂ are linked to the carbon atoms in 17 and 16 of the steroidal structure in position α,

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OC(O)O_(m)R_(i) wherein m is 0 and R_(i) is —CH₂CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R₈ is H; R_(8A) is H; R₉ is H; R₁₀ is H;

R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein

R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond;

R₁₀ is H;

R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α;

R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H;

R₅ and R₆ form a double bond;

R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H;

R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β;

R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;

and wherein

a=0 or a=1 and Z is —CH(R′)—O—

R_(X) is selected from

-   -   (d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10) wherein R^(12b) is selected from D10);

T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—;

T″′ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—;

Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from

a) C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with —ONO₂;

b) wherein n¹ is 0 or n¹ is 1;

e) wherein n² is 1, R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂) n^(2′)—, wherein n^(2′) is 0 and Ti is —C(O) and n¹ is 0 or 1, U is a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group;

f) wherein T₂ is —O, R₁₃ is H and n³ is 1.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein

R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein the corticosteroid is selected from the group consisting of dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, triamcinolone, [(8R,10S,13S,14R,17R)-17-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-3-oxo-2,6,7,8,12,14,15,16-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]-2-oxo-ethanol; diflorasone, diflorasone-17-acetate, (11β,16β)-16,17-[[(R)-cyclohexylmethylene]bis(oxy)-11,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione;

a=0 or a=1 and Z is —CH(R′)—O— wherein R′ is selected from H or straight or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl, preferably R′ is CH₃;

R_(X) is

-   -   (a2) wherein         R₁ of the group A1) is H;         R₁ of the group A2) is selected from —CH₂—OH or         —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)];         R₁ of the group A3) is —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is H;         R₁ of the group A4) is —CH₂—C(O)R″′, wherein R″′ is OH;

T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined;

T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—;

T″ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, —C(O)—NR′—, —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—;

Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from

a) C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with —ONO₂;

b) wherein n¹ is 0 or n¹ is 1;

e) wherein n² is 1, R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂) n^(2′)—, wherein n2′ is 0 and Ti is —C(O) and n¹ is 0 or 1, U is a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group;

f) wherein T₂ is —O, R₁₃ is H and n³ is 1.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein

R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein the corticosteroid is selected from the group consisting of dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, triamcinolone, [(8R,10S,13S,14R,17R)-17-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-3-oxo-2,6,7,8,12,14,15,16-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]-2-oxo-ethanol; diflorasone, diflorasone-17-acetate, (11β,16β)-16,17-[[(R)-cyclohexylmethylene]bis(oxy)-11,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione;

a=1 and Z is —C(O)—;

R_(X) is

-   -   (a1) wherein         R₁ of the group A1) is H;         R₁ of the group A2) is selected from —CH₂—OH or         —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)];         R₁ of the group A3) is —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is H or R₁ of         A4) is —CH₂—C(O)R″′, wherein R″′ is OH;

T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined;

T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—;

T″ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, —C(O)—NR′—, —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—;

Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from

a) C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with —ONO₂;

b) wherein n¹ is 0 or n¹ is 1;

e) wherein n² is 1, R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂) n^(2′)—, wherein _(n) ^(2′) is 0 and T₁ is —C(O) and n¹ is 0 or 1, U is a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group;

f) wherein T₂ is —O, R₁₃ is H and n³ is 1.

Preferred specific embodiments of the present invention are the selected compounds reported below:

As stated above, the invention includes also the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of formula (I) and stereoisomers thereof.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are either those with inorganic bases, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and aluminium hydroxides, or with organic bases, such as lysine, arginine, triethylamine, dibenzylamine, piperidine and other acceptable organic amines.

The compounds according to the present invention, when they contain in the molecule one salifiable nitrogen atom, can be transformed into the corresponding salts by reaction in an organic solvent such as acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran with the corresponding organic or inorganic acids.

Examples of organic acids are: oxalic, tartaric, maleic, succinic, citric acids. Examples of inorganic acids are: nitric, hydrochloric, sulphuric, phosphoric acids. Salts with nitric acid are preferred.

The compounds of the invention which have one or more asymmetric carbon atoms can exist as optically pure enantiomers, pure diastereomers, enantiomers mixtures, diastereomers mixtures, enantiomer racemic mixtures, racemates or racemate mixtures. Within the object of the invention are also all the possible isomers, stereoisomers and their mixtures of the compounds of formula (I).

Another object of the present invention provides the use of the compounds of formula (I) above reported in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease, colitis, ulcerative colitis, dermatological inflammations such as eczema, psoriasis, allergic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, pruritus, conjunctivitis, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, in substitutive hormonal therapies, preferably in the post-menopause therapy, in rheumatic disease therapies, in renal disease therapies, in ocular disease therapies such as ocular hypertension, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy and retinal vasculopathies, in autoimmune disease.

The compounds object of the present invention are formulated in the corresponding pharmaceutical compositions, also with belated release, for parenteral, oral and topic use, such as for example sublingual, inhalatory, suppository, transdermal, enema, according to the well known techniques in the art, together with the usual excipients; see for example the publication “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences” 15^(th) Ed.

The amount on a molar basis of the active principle in said compositions is generally the same, or lower than that of the corresponding precursor drug.

The daily administrable doses are those of the precursor drugs, or optionally lower. The precursor daily doses can be found in the publications of the field, such for example in the “Physician's Desk reference”.

Synthesis Procedure

1) The compound of general formula (I) as above defined wherein a is equal to 0, the radical R_(X) is selected from (a2), (a4), (a8), (b2), (b4), (b8), (c2), (e2), (f1), (g2), (h1), (i1), (l2), (m2), (n2), (o2), (p2), (q2), (r2), (s2), (t2), (u2), (v2), can be obtained: 1-i) by reacting a compound of (IIa)

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, are as above defined, with a compound of formula (Ia)

W—X₁  (Ia)

wherein W is —OH, C₁₋₁₀—R_(a) wherein R_(a) is pentafluorophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl or —(N-succimidyl), X₁ is as below defined, to obtain the compound of formula (IIa′)

wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, are as above defined and X₁ is as below defined, X₁ is a radical having the following meaning:

-   -   (a2′) —C(O)—CH(R^(1′))—NH-(T′-Y-Q)         wherein R^(1′) is selected from         A1) as defined above or         A2′) —CH₂—OP¹, —CH₂—OP¹, —CH(CH₃)—OP¹, —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OP¹)],         —CH₂-[(C₆H₃)-(3,5-diiodo)-(4-OP¹)],         —CH₂-[(C₆H₃)-3-nitro-(4-OP¹)] or         A3′) —CH₂—NHR″″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″″, —(CH₂)₃—NHR″″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″″,         wherein R″″ is P³ or —C(O)CH₃ or

wherein R^(5a) is as defined above; A4′) —CH₂—C(O)R″″′, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)R″″′, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)R″″′ wherein R″″′ is P², —OR^(5a) or

wherein R^(5a) is as above defined;

-   -   (a4′) —C(O)—CH(R^(1a)-T″-Y′-Q)-NHR^(4a′)     -   (a8′) —C(O)—CH(R^(1a)-T″-Y′-Q)-NH-(T′Y-Q)         wherein R^(1a) is as defined above;     -   (b2′) —C(O)—CH₂—CH(R^(2′))—NH-(T′Y-Q)         wherein R^(2′) is selected from         B1) as defined above or

B2′) —CH(CH₃)—OP¹, —CH₂-[(C₆H₄)-(4-OP¹)];

B3′) —CH₂—NHR″″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″″, —(CH₂)₃—NHR″″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″″, wherein R″″ is as above defined; B4′)—CH₂—C(O)—R″″′, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—R″″′, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—R″″′ wherein R″″′ is as above defined;

R^(4a′) is P³ or —C(O)—CH₃ or

-   -   (b4′) —C(O)—CH₂—CH(R^(2a)-T″-Y′-Q)-NHR^(4a′)     -   (b8′) —C(O)—CH₂—CH(R^(2a)-T″-Y′-Q)-NH-(T′Y-Q)         wherein R^(2a) and R^(4a′) are as defined above;     -   (c2′) —C(O)—(CH₂)_(b)—NH-(T′Y-Q);

wherein R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, b, c, d, e and f are as above defined; wherein P¹ is a hydroxyl or thiol protecting group such as silyl ethers, such as trimethylsilyl, tert-butyl-dimethylsilyl or trityl and those described in T. W. Greene “Protective groups in organic synthesis”, Harvard University Press, 1980, P² is a carboxylic protecting group such as tert-butyl ester and those described in T. W. Greene “Protective groups in organic synthesis”, Harvard University Press, 1980, P³ is a amino protecting group such as Boc, Fmoc or those described in T. W. Greene “Protective groups in organic synthesis”, Harvard University Press, 1980, T, T′, T″, Y and Y′ are as above defined, Q is independently —ONO₂ or Z₂ wherein Z₂ is selected from the group consisting of: a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, a iodine atom, a mesyl group or a tosyl group, and 1-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source such as silver nitrate, lithium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, calcium nitrate, iron nitrate, zinc nitrate or tetraalkylammonium nitrate (wherein alkyl is C₁-C₁₀ alkyl) in a suitable organic solvent such as acetonitrile, tetrahydrofurane, methyl ethyl ketone, ethyl acetate, DMF, the reaction is carried out, in the dark, at a temperature from room temperature to the boiling temperature of the solvent. Preferred nitrate source is silver nitrate and 1-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1-i) or 1-ii) as described in T. W. Greene “Protective groups in organic synthesis”, Harvard University Press, 1980, 2^(nd) edition. Fluoride ion is the preferred method for removing silyl ether protecting group. Trifluoroacetic acid or anhydrous inorganic acid are the preferred method for removing Boc protecting group, anhydrous organic or inorganic acid is the preferred method for removing trityl protecting group. Organic base such as piperidine is the preferred method for removing Fmoc protecting group. Aqueous or anhydrous organic or inorganic acid is the preferred method for removing t-butyl ester protecting group. 1-i1) The reaction of a compound of formula (Ia) wherein W=—OH and X₁ is as above defined, with a compound of formula (IIa) may be carried out in presence of a condensing agent as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), N′-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC) N,N′-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI), in the presence or not of a base as for example as N,N-dimethylamino pyridine (DMAP). The reaction is carried out in an inert organic dry solvent such as N,N′-dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, benzene, toluene, dioxane, a polyhalogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon at a temperature from −20° C. to 50° C. The reaction is completed within a time range from 30 minutes to 36 hours. 1-i2) The reaction of a compound of formula (Ia) wherein W=—O—R_(a) wherein R_(a) and X₁ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IIa) may be carried out in presence of a catalyst, such as N,N-dimethylamino pyridine (DMAP) or in the presence of DMAP and a Lewis acid such as Sc(OTf)₃ or Bi(OTf)₃. The reaction is carried out in an inert organic solvent such as N,N′-dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, benzene, toluene, dioxane, a polyhalogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon at a temperature from −20° C. to 40° C. The reaction is completed within a time range from 30 minutes to 36 hours. 1-i3) The reaction of a compound of formula (Ia) wherein W═—Cl, and X₁ is are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IIa) may be carried out in presence of an organic base such as N,N-dimethylamino pyridine (DMAP), triethylamine, pyridine. The reaction is carried out in an inert organic solvent such as N,N′-dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, benzene, toluene, dioxane, a polyhalogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon at a temperature from −20° C. to 40° C. The reaction is completed within a time range from 30 minutes to 36 hours.

The compounds of formula (IIa) are commercially available.

1a) The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —OH, T″ and T″ are C(O), and X₁ is the radical selected from (a2′), (a4′), (b2′), (b4′), (c2′), (e2′), (f1′), (g2′), (h1′), (i1′), (l2′), (m2′), (n2′), (o2′), (p2′), (q2′), (r2′), (s2′), (t2′), (u2′), (v2′), wherein R^(1′) is selected from A1), A2′), A3′), A4′), R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5) or B6) and R^(2′) is selected from B1), B2′), B3′), B4′) and Y, Y′ and R^(4a′) are as above defined, can be obtained 1a-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIa)

P²—X₂  (IIIa)

wherein P² is as above defined, X₂ is a radical having the following meaning

-   -   (a2″) —C(O)—CH(R_(1′))—NH₂     -   (a4″) —C(O)—CH(R^(1a)—H)—NHR^(4a′)         wherein R^(1′) is selected from A1), A2′), A3′), A4′), R^(1a) is         selected from A5) or A6) and R^(4a′) is as defined above     -   (b2″) —C(O)—CH₂—CH(R^(2′))—NH₂,     -   (b4″) —C(O)—CH₂—CH(R^(2a)—H)—NHR^(4a′)         wherein R^(2′) is selected from B1), B2′), B3′), B4′), R^(2a) is         selected from B5) or B6) and R^(4a′) is as defined above,     -   (c2″) —C(O)—(CH₂)_(b)—NH₂,

wherein R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, b, c, d, e and f are as above defined; with a compound of formula (IVa)

W₁—(O)C-y-Q  (IVa)

wherein W₁ is OH or O—R_(a) and R_(a) and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y when X₂ is selected from (a2′), (b2′), (c2′), (e2′), (f1′), (g2′), (h1′), (i1′), (l2′), (m2′), (n2′), (o2′), (p2′), (q2′), (r2′), (s2′), (t2′), (u2′), (v2′), and y is the radical Y′ when X₂ is selected from (a4′) or (b4′), wherein Y and Y′ are as defined above, and 1a-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1a-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 1a-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1a-i) or 1a-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIa) wherein P² and X₂ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁ is OH, y, Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i1) or in presence of other known condensing reagents such as O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate (HATU).

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIa) wherein P² and X₂ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁ is O—R_(a), y, Q are as above defined, may be carried as described in 1-i2).

The compounds of formula (IIIa) are commercially available or can be obtained as known in the literature.

The compounds of formula (IVa) wherein W₁ is OH, y and Q are as above defined, can be obtained from the corresponding alcohols of formula HOOC-y-OH (IVb) by reaction with nitric acid and acetic anhydride in a temperature range from −50° C. to 0° C. or from the corresponding derivatives of formula HOOC-y-Z₂ (IVc) wherein Z₂ is as above defined, by reaction with a nitrate source as above described. Alternatively the reaction with AgNO₃ can be performed under microwave irradiation in solvents such acetonitrile or THF at temperatures in the range between about 100-180° C. for time range about 1-60 min.

The compounds of formula (IVb) are commercially available.

The compounds of formula (IVc) are commercially available or can be obtained as known in the literature.

The compounds of formula (IVa) wherein W₁ is O—R_(a), y, Q are as above defined, can be obtained from the corresponding acids of formula (IVa) wherein W₁ is OH as known in the literature.

The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W═Cl or O—R_(a), X₁ is selected from (a2′), (a4′), (b2′), (b4′), (c2′), (e2′), (f1′), (g2′), (h1′), (i1′), (l2′), (m2′), (n2′), (o2′), (p2′), (q2′), (r2′), (s2′), (t2′), (u2′), (v2′), wherein R^(1′) is selected from A1), A2′), A3′), A4′), R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5) or B6) and R^(2′) is selected from B1), B2′), B3′), B4′), and wherein Y, Y′ and Q are as above defined and T′ and T″ are C(O), can be obtained from the corresponding acids (Ia) wherein W is —OH as known in the literature.

1b) The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —OH, X₁ is the radical selected from (a2′), (a4′), (b2′), (b4′) (c2′), (e2′), (f1l′), (g2′), (h1′), (i1′), (l2′), (m2′), (n2′), (o2′), (p2′), (q2′), (r2′), (s2′), (t2′), (u2′), (v2′), wherein R^(1′) is selected from A1), A2′), A3′), A4′), R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5) or B6) and R^(2′) is selected from B1), B2′), B3′), B4′), Y and Y′ are as above defined, T′ and T″ are C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —O— or —S— can be obtained 1b-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIa)

P²⁻X₂  (IIIa)

wherein P² and X₂ are as defined above, with a compound of formula (IVd)

R_(a)—O—C(O)—X″-y-Q  (IVd)

wherein R_(a), X″ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y when X₂ is selected from (a2′), (b2′), (c2′), (e2′), (f1′), (g2′), (h1′), (i1′), (l2′), (m2′), (n2′), (o2′), (p2′), (q2′), (r2′), (s2′), (t2′), (u2′), (v2′), and y is the radical Y′ when X₂ is selected from (a4′) or (b4′), wherein Y and Y′ are as above defined, and 1b-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1b-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 1b-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1b-i) or 1b-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIa) wherein P² and X₂ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd) wherein R_(a), X″, y and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i2)

The compounds of formula (IVd) wherein R_(a), X″, y, Q are as above defined, can be obtained from the compounds of formula HX″-y-Q (IVe) wherein X″, y, Q are as above defined, as known in literature.

The compound of formula (IVe) are commercially available or are known in literature.

The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —Cl or O—R_(a, X) ₁ is selected from (a2′), (a4′), (b2′), (b4′), (c2′), (e2′), (f1′), (g2′), (h1′), (i1′), (l2′), (m2′), (n2′), (o2′), (p2′), (q2′), (r2′), (s2′), (t2′), (u2′), (v2′), wherein R^(1′) is selected from A1), A2′), A3′), A4′), R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5) or B6) and R^(2′) is selected from B1), B2′), B3′), B4′), Y, Y′ and Q are as above defined, T″ and T″ are C(O)—X″ wherein X″ is O or S, can be obtained from the corresponding acids (Ia) wherein W is —OH as known in the literature.

1c) The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —OH and X₁ is a radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5) or B6), Q is as above defined, T′ and T″ are C(O), Y and Y′ are the same and are as above defined, can be obtained 1c-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIb),

P²⁻X₃  (IIIb)

wherein P² is as above defined, X₃ is the radical of formula

-   -   (a8″) —C(O)—CH(R^(1a)—H)—NH₂     -   (b8″) —C(O)—CH₂—CH(R^(2a)—H)—NH₂         wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected         from B5) or B6), with a compound of formula (IVa)

W₁—(O)C-y-Q  (IVa)

wherein W₁ and Q are as above defined, wherein y is the radical Y or Y′, wherein Y and Y′ are as above defined, and 1c-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1c-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 1c-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1c-i) or 1c-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIb) wherein P² and X₃ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁ is OH, y and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1a-i) using a ratio (IIIb)/(IVa) 1:2.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIb) wherein P² and X₃ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁ is OR_(a), y and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i2) using a ratio (IIIb)/(IVa) 1:2.

The compounds of formula (IIIb) are commercially available or can be obtained as known in the literature.

The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —Cl or O—R_(a), X₁ is the radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5) or B6) and wherein Y, Y′ and Q are as above defined and T″ and T″ are C(O), can be obtained from the corresponding acids (Ia) wherein W is —OH as known in the literature.

1d) The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —OH, X₁ is the radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5) or B6), Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T″ is C(O) or C(O)—X″ wherein X″ is as above defined, T″ is C(O), can be obtained 1d-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Ib)

P²—X_(3′)  (Ib)

wherein P² is as above defined, X_(3′) is the radical of formula

-   -   (a8″′) —C(O)—CH(R^(1a)—H)—NH-(T′Y-Q)     -   (b8″′) —C(O)—CH₂—CH(R^(2a)—H)—NH-(T′Y-Q)         wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected         from B5) or B6), with a compound of formula (IVa)

W₁—(O)C-y-Q  (IVa)

wherein W₁ and Q are as above defined, wherein y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 1d-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1d-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 1d-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1d-i) or 1d-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ib) wherein P² and X_(3′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁ is OH, y and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1a-i).

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ib) wherein P² and X_(3′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁ is OR_(a), y and Q are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

The compounds of formula (Ib) wherein T″ is C(O), P² and X₃′ are as above defined, are obtained as described in 1a).

The compounds of formula (Ib) wherein T″ is C(O)—X″, P² and X₃′ are as above defined, are obtained as described in 1b).

The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —Cl or O—R_(a)′, X₁ is the radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5) or B6) and wherein Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T″ is C(O) or C(O)—X″ wherein X″ is as above defined, T″ is C(O), can be obtained from the corresponding acids (Ia) wherein W is —OH as known in literature.

1e) The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —OH, X₁ is the radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5) or B6), Q is as above defined, Y and Y′ are the same and are as above defined, T″ and T″ are C(O)—X″— wherein X″ is as above defined, can be obtained 1e-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIb)

P²⁻X₃  (IIIb)

wherein P² and X₃ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd)

R_(a)—O—C(O)—X″-y-Q  (IVd)

wherein R_(a) and Q are as above defined, wherein y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 1e-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1e-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 1e-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1e-i) or 1e-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIb) wherein P² and X₃ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd) wherein R_(a), y and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i2) using a ratio (IIIb)/(IVd) 1:2.

The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —Cl or O—R_(a), X₁ is the radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5) or B6) and wherein Y and Y′, Q is as above defined and T″ and T″ are C(O)—X″— wherein X″ is as above defined, can be obtained from the corresponding acids (Ia) wherein W is —OH as known in literature.

1f) The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —OH, X₁ is selected from (a8′) or (b8′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5) or B6), Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T″ is C(O) or C(O)—X″ wherein X″ is as above defined, T″ is C(O)—X″, can be obtained 1f-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Ib)

P²—X_(3′)  (Ib)

wherein X_(3′) and P² are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd)

W₁—O—C(O)—X″-y-Q  (IVd)

wherein W₁ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 1f-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1f-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 1f-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1f-i) or 1f-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ib) wherein P² and X₃′ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd) wherein W₁ is OH, y and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1a-i).

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ib) wherein P² and X₃′ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd) wherein W₁ is OR_(a), y and Q are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

The compounds of formula (Ib) wherein T″ is C(O), P² and X₃′ are as above defined, are obtained as described in 1a).

The compounds of formula (Ib) wherein T″ is C(O)—X″, P² and X₃′ are as above defined, are obtained as described in 1b).

The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —Cl or O—R_(a)′, X₁ is a radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′) wherein R^(1a) is A5) or A6), R^(2a) is B5) or B6) and wherein Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T′ is C(O) or C(O)—X″ and T″ is C(O)—X, wherein X″ is as above defined, can be obtained from the corresponding acids (Ia) wherein W is —OH as known in literature.

1g) The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —OH, X₁ is a radical is selected from (a8′) or (b8′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5), A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5), B6), Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T″ is C(O) or C(O)—X″ wherein X″ is as above defined, T″ is C(O)—NR′ wherein R′ is above defined, can be obtained 1g-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Ib)

P²—X_(3′)  (Ib)

wherein P² and X_(3′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula

R_(a)—O—(O)C—NR′-y-Q  (IVf)

wherein R_(a), R′ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 1g-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1g-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 1g-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1g-i) or 1g-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ib) wherein P² and X_(3′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVf) wherein R_(a), R′, y, Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

The compounds of formula (Ib) wherein T″ is C(O), wherein P² and X_(3′) are as above defined, are obtained as described in 1a-i), 1a-ii).

The compounds of formula (Ib) wherein T″ is C(O)—X″, wherein P² and X_(3′) are as above defined, are obtained as described in 1b-i), 1b-ii).

The compounds of formula (IVf) wherein R′, y and Q are as above defined, can be obtained from the compounds of formula HR′N-y-Q (IVg) by reaction with a chloroformate as known in the literature.

The compounds of formula (IVg) wherein y is as above defined and Q is Z₂ is commercially available, the compounds of formula (IVg) wherein y is as above defined and Q is —ONO₂ may be obtained from the compound of formula P³—R′N-y-ONO₂ (IVh) wherein P³ is as above defined by deprotection of amino group as known in literature. The compounds of formula (IVh) wherein P³, y are as above defined may be obtained from the alcohol P³—R′N-y-OH (IVi) by reacting with tetraalkylammonium nitrate as already described for analogous compounds. The compounds of formula (IVi) are commercially available or known in literature. Alternatively the compounds of formula (IVh) wherein P³, y are as above defined may be obtained from the corresponding compounds of formula P³—R′N-y-Z₂ (IVl) wherein P³, y, Z₂ are as above defined, by reaction with a nitrate source as above described.

The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —Cl or O—R_(a), X₁ is a radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5) or B6) and wherein Y, Y′ and Q are as above defined and T′ is C(O) or C(O)—X″, T″ is C(O)—NR′—, wherein X″ and R′ are as above defined, can be obtained from the corresponding acids (Ia) wherein W is —OH as known in literature.

1h) The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —OH, X₁ is a radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7), Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T′ is C(O) or C(O)—X″, T″ is X″ wherein X″ is above defined, can be obtained 1h-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Ie),

P²⁻X₅  (Ie)

wherein P² is defined above, X₅ is the radical of formula

-   -   (a8″′) —C(O)—CH(R_(1a)—OH)—NH-(T′Y-Q)     -   (b8″′) —C(O)—CH₂—CH(R^(2a)—OH)—NH-(T′Y-Q)         wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from         B7), with a compound of formula (IVe)

HX″-y-Q  (IVe)

wherein X″ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 1h-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1h-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 1h-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1h-i) or 1h-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ie) wherein P² and X₅ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVe) wherein y, X″ and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i1).

The compounds of formula (Ie) wherein T″ is C(O), wherein P² and X₅ are as above defined, are obtained as described in 1a-i), 1a-ii)

The compounds of formula (Ie) wherein T″ is C(O)—X″, wherein P² and X₅ are as above defined, are obtained as described in 1b-i), 1b-ii).

The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —Cl or O—R_(a, X) ₁ is a radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7) and wherein Y, Y′ and Q are as above defined, T″ is C(O) or C(O)—X″, and T″ is X″ wherein X″ is as above defined, can be obtained from the corresponding acids (Ia) wherein W is —OH as known in literature.

1i) The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —OH, X₁ is a radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7), Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T″ is C(O) or C(O)—X″ wherein X″ is as above defined, T″ is —NR′ wherein R′ is above defined, can be obtained 1i-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Ie),

P²⁻X₅  (Ie)

wherein is P² and X₅ are defined above, with a compound of formula (IVg)

HR′N-y-Q  (IVg)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 1i-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1i-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source such above described and 1n-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1i-i) or 1i-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ie) wherein P² and X₅ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVg) wherein R′, y and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1a-i).

The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —Cl or O—R^(a), X₁ is the radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7) and wherein Y, Y′ and Q are as above defined, T″ is C(O) or C(O)—X″ wherein X″ is as above defined, and T″ is —NR′ wherein R′ is as above defined can be obtained from the corresponding acids (Ia) wherein W is —OH as known in literature

11) The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —OH, X₁ is a radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7), Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T′ is C(O) or C(O)—X″ wherein X″ is as above defined, T″ is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—, wherein R′ is as above defined, can be obtained 1l-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Ie),

P²⁻X₅  (Ie)

wherein is P² and X₅ are defined above, with a compound of formula (IVm)

Hal-CH(R′)—O—(O)C-y-Q  (IVm)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, Hal is an halogen atom, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 1l-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1l-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source such above described and 1l-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1l-i) or 1l-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ie) wherein P⁵ and X₅ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVm) wherein y, Q, R′ are as above defined may be carried out in the presence of a inorganic or organic base in an aprotic polar/non-polar solvent such as DMF, THF or CH₂Cl₂ at temperatures range between 0° to 100° C. or in a double phase system H₂O/Et₂O at temperatures range between 20° to 40° C.

The compounds of formula (IVm) wherein y, Q, R′ are as above defined, Hal is an halogen atom may be obtained by reacting a compound R′—CH₂—CHO, commercially available, with a compound of formula Hal-(O)C-y-Q (IVn), wherein y and Q are as above defined, Hal is a chlorine atom and ZnCl₂ as known in literature.

The compounds of formula (IVn) may be obtained as known in literature.

The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —Cl or O—R_(a), X₁ is a radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7) and wherein Y, Y′, and Q are as above defined, T″ is C(O) or C(O)—X″ wherein X″ is as above defined, and T″ is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— wherein R′ is as above defined can be obtained from the corresponding acids (Ia) wherein W is —OH as known in literature.

1m) The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —OH, X₁ is a radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is B7), Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T″ is C(O) or C(O)—X″ wherein X″ is as above defined, T″ is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O—, wherein R′ is as above defined, can be obtained 1m-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Ie),

P²⁻X₅  (Ie)

wherein is P² and X₅ are defined above, with a compound of formula (IVo)

Hal-CH(R′)—O—(O)C—O-y-Q  (IVo)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, Hal is an halogen atom, and 1l-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1l-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source such above described and 1l-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1l-i) or 1l-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ie) wherein P² and X₅ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVo) wherein y, R′, Q, Hal are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1l-i).

The compounds of formula (IVo) wherein y, R′, Q are as above defined, may be obtained by reacting the compounds of formula Hal-(R′)CH—OC(O)Hal, wherein Hal is as above defined, commercially available, with a compound of formula HO-y-Q (IVe) wherein y, Q are as above defined, in the presence of a inorganic or organic base in an aprotic polar or in an aprotic non-polar solvent such as DMF, THF or CH₂Cl₂ at temperatures range between 0° to 65° C.

The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —Cl or O—R_(a), X₁ is a radical selected from (a8′) or (b8′) wherein R^(1a) selected from A7), R^(2a) selected from B7) and wherein Y, Y′ and Q are as above defined, T″ is C(O) or C(O)—X″ wherein X″ is as above defined, and T″ is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O—, may be obtained from the corresponding acids (Ia) wherein W is —OH as known in literature.

1n) The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —OH, X₁ is a radical selected from (a4′) or (b4′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7), Y′, Q and R^(4a′) are as above defined and T″ is X″ wherein X″ is as above defined, can be obtained 1n-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIc)

P²—X_(5′)  (IIIc)

wherein P² is defined above, X₅′ is

-   -   (a4″) —C(O)—CH(R^(1a)—OH)—NHR^(4a′)     -   (b4″) —C(O)—CH₂—CH(R^(2a)—OH)—NHR^(4a′)         wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7)         and P³ is as above defined,         with a compound of formula (IVe)

HX″-y-Q  (IVe)

wherein X″ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 1n-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1n-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 1n-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1n-i) or 1n-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIc) wherein X_(5′) and P² are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVe) wherein X″, y, Q are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1-i1).

The compounds of formula (IIIc) wherein X_(5′) and P² are as above defined, are commercially available or can be obtained as known in the literature.

The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —Cl or O—R_(a), X₁ is a radical selected from (a4′) or (b4′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7), Y′ and Q are as above defined, T″ is X″, wherein X″ is as above defined, can be obtained from the corresponding acids (Ia) wherein W is —OH as known in literature.

1o) The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —OH, X₁ is a radical selected from (a4′) or (b4′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7), Y′, Q and R^(4a′) are as above defined and T″ is —NR′ wherein R′ is as above defined, can be obtained 1o-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIc)

P²—X_(5′)  (IIIc)

wherein P² and X₅′ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVg)

HR′N-y-Q  (IVg)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, and 1o-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1o-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 1o-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1o-i) or 1o-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIc) wherein X_(5′) and P² are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVg) wherein R′, y and Q are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1a-i).

The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —Cl or —OR_(a), X₁ is a radical selected from (a4′) or (b4′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7) and wherein Y′, Q are as above defined and T″ is —NR′ wherein R′ is as above defined, can be obtained may be obtained from the corresponding acids (Ia) wherein W═—OH as known in literature.

1p) The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —OH, X₁ is a radical selected from (a4′) or (b4′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7), Y′, Q and R^(4a′) are as above defined and T″ is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O), wherein R′ is as above defined, can be obtained 1p-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIc)

P²—X_(5′)  (IIIe)

wherein P² and X_(5′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVm)

Hal-CH(R′)—O—(O)C-y-Q  (IVm)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, Hal is an halogen atom and 1p-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1p-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 1p-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1p-i) or 1p-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIc) wherein P² and X_(5′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVm) wherein R′, y, Q, Hal are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1l-1).

The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —Cl or OR_(a), X₁ is a radical selected from (a4′) or (b4′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7) and wherein Y and Q are as above defined and T″ is the group —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O), wherein R′ is as above defined, can be obtained from the corresponding acids (Ia) wherein W═—OH as known in literature.

1q) The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —OH, X₁ is a radical selected from (a4′) or (b4′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7), Y′, Q and R^(4a′) are as above defined and T″ is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—O—, wherein R′ is as above defined, can be obtained 1q-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIc)

P²—X_(5′)  (IIIc)

wherein P² and X_(5′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVo)

Hal-CH(R′)—O(O)C—O-y-Q  (IVo)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, Hal is an halogen atom and 1q-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1q-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 1q-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 1q-i) or 1q-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIc) wherein P² and X_(5′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVo) wherein R′, y, Q, Hal are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1l-1).

The compounds of formula (Ia) wherein W is —Cl or OR_(a), X₁ is a radical selected from (a4′) or (b4′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7) and wherein Y, Q, are as above defined and T″ is the group —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—O—, wherein R′ is as above defined, can be obtained may be obtained from the corresponding acids (Ia) wherein W═—OH as known in literature.

2) The compound of general formula (I) as above defined wherein a is equal to 1, the radical R_(X) is the radical selected from (a2), (a4), (a8), (b2), (b4), (b8), (c2), (e2), (f1), (g2), (hi), (i1), (l2), (m2), (n2), (o2), (p2), (q2), (r2), (s2), (t2), (u2), (v2), Z is —CH(R′)—O— wherein R′ is selected from H or straight or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl, can be obtained: 2-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIa)

R—OH  (IIa)

wherein R is as above defined with a compound of formula (If)

Hal-CH(R′)—O—X₁  (If)

wherein Hal is an halogen atom, R′ and X₁ are as above defined and 2-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 2-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 2-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 2-i) or 2-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (If) wherein X₁ and R′ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IIa) wherein R is as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1l-i).

The compounds of formula (If) are obtained by reacting a compound R′—CHO, wherein R′ is as above defined with compounds of formula (Ia)

W—X₁  (Ia)

wherein W is a chlorine atom, X₁ is as above defined, and ZnCl₂ as known in literature. 3) The compound of general formula (I) as above defined wherein a is equal to 1, the radical R_(X) is selected from (al), (a3), (a7), (b1), (b3), (b7), (c1), (e1), (f2), (g1), (h2), (i2), (l1), (m1), (n1), (o1), (p1), (q1), (r1), (s1), (t1), (u1), (v1), Z is C(O), can be obtained 3-i) by reacting a compound of formula

R—C(O)—O—R_(a)  (IIb)

wherein R and R_(a) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (Ig)

H—X₂  (Ig)

wherein X₂ is a radical having the following meanings:

-   -   (a1′) —HN—CH(R^(1′))—C(O)-(T-Y-Q)     -   (a3′) —HN—CH(R^(1a)-T″-Y′-Q)-COOR^(3a′)     -   (a7′) —HN—CH(R^(1a)-T″-Y′-Q)-C(O)-(T-Y-Q)     -   (b1′) —HN—CH(R^(2′))—CH₂C(O)-(T-Y-Q)     -   (b3′) —HN—CH(R^(2a)-T″-Y′-Q)-CH₂COOR_(3a′)     -   (b7′) —HN—CH(R^(2a)-T″-Y′-Q)-CH₂—C(O)-(T-Y-Q)         wherein R^(1′), R^(1a), R^(2′), R^(2a) are as above defined         R^(3a′) is selected from P², —OR^(5a) or

wherein R^(5a) is as above defined;

-   -   (c1′) —HN—(CH₂)_(b)—C(O)-(T-Y-Q);

wherein T, T″, Y and Y′ are as above defined, 3-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 3-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source such above described and

3-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 3-i) or 3-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIb) wherein R and R_(a) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (Ig) wherein X₁ is as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

The compounds of formula R—C(O)—O—R_(a) (IIb) wherein R and R_(a) are as above defined, are obtained from the compounds R—H (IIa) by reaction with the compounds of formula Cl—C(O)—O—R_(a) wherein R_(a) is as above defined, as known in literature.

3a) The compounds of formula (Ig) wherein X₂ is selected from (a1′), (a3′), (b1′), (b3′), (c1′), (e1′), (f2′), (g1′), (h2′), (i2′), (l1′), (m1′), (n1′), (o1′), (p1′), (q1′), (r1′), (s1′), (t1′), (u1′), (v1′), wherein R_(1′) is selected from A1), A2′), A3′), A4′), R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7) and R^(2′) is selected from B1), B2′), B3′), B4′), Y and Y′ are as above defined, T and T″ are X″ wherein X″ is as above defined may be obtained

3a-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIe),

P³—X₆  (IIIe)

wherein P³ is as above defined, X₆ is a radical having the following meanings:

-   -   (a1″) —HN—CH(R^(1′))—C(O)—OH     -   (a3″) —HN—CH(R_(1a)—OH)—COOR^(3a′)     -   (b1″) —HN—CH(R^(2′))—CH₂C(O)—OH     -   (b3″) —HN—CH(R^(2a)—OH)—CH₂COOR^(3a′)         wherein R^(1′) is selected from A1), A2′), A3′), A4′), R^(1a) is         selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7) and R^(2′) is         selected from B1), B2′), B3′), B4′), and R^(3a′) is defined         above     -   (c1″)—HN—(CH₂)_(b)—C(O)—OH;

with a compound of formula (IVe)

HX″-y-Q  (IVe)

wherein Q and X″ are as above defined y is the radical Y when X₆ is selected from (a1′), (b1′), (c1′), (e1′), (f2′), (g1′), (h2′), (i2′), (l1′), (m1′), (n1′), (o1′), (p1′), (q1′), (r1′), (s1′), (t1′), (u1′) and (v1′), y is the radical Y′ when X₆ is selected from (a3′) and (b3′), wherein Y and Y′ are as defined above, and 3a-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 3a-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 3a-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 3a-i) or 3a-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIe) wherein P³ and X₆ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVe), wherein y, Q and X″ are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i1).

The compounds of formula (IIIe) are commercially available or can be obtained as known in the literature.

3b) The compounds of formula (Ig) wherein X₂ is selected from (a1′), (a3′), (b1′), (b3′), (c1′), (e1′), (f2′), (g1′), (h2′), (i2′), (l1′), (m1′), (n1′), (o1′), (p1′), (q1′), (r1′), (s1′), (t1′), (u1′), (v1′), wherein R^(1′) is selected from A1), A2′), A3′), A4′), R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7) and R^(2′) is selected from B1), B2′), B3′), B4′), and R^(3a′), Y and Y′ are as above defined, T and T″ are —NR′ wherein R′ is as above defined may be obtained 3b-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIe),

P³—X₆  (IIIe)

wherein P³ and X₆ are as above defined, with a compound of formula

HR′N-y-Q  (IVg)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y when X₆ is selected from (a1′), (b1′), (c1′), (e1′), (f2′), (g1′), (h2′), (i2′), (l1′), (m1′), (n1′), (o1′), (p1′), (q1′), (r1′), (s1′), (t1′), (u1′) and (v1′), y is the radical Y′ when X₆ is selected from (a3′) and (b3′), wherein Y and Y′ are as defined above, and 3b-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 3b-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 3b-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 3b-i) or 3b-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIe) wherein P³ and X₆ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVg) wherein R′, y, Q are as above defined, may be carried out 1a-i).

3c) The compounds of formula (Ig) wherein X₂ is selected from (a1′), (a3′), (b1′), (b3′), (c1′), (e1′), (f2′), (g1′), (h2′), (i2′), (l1′), (m1′), (n1′), (o1′), (p1′), (q1′), (r1′), (s1′), (t1′), (u1′), (v1′), wherein R^(1′) is selected from A1), A2′), A3′), A4′), R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7) and R^(2′) is selected from B1), B2′), B3′), B4′), and R_(3a′), Y and Y′ are as above defined, T and T″ are —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—, wherein R′ is as above defined, may be obtained 3c-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIe)

P³⁻X₆  (IIIe)

wherein P³, X₆ are as above defined with compounds of formula (IVm)

Hal-CH(R′)—O—(O)C-y-Q  (IVm)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, Hal is an halogen atom, y is the radical Y when X₆ is selected from (a1′), (b1′), (c1′), (e1′), (f2′), (g1′), (h2′), (i2′), (l1′), (m1′), (n1′), (o1′), (p1′), (q1′), (r1′), (s1′), (t1′), (u1′) and (v1′), y is the radical Y′ when X₆ is selected from (a3′) and (b3′), wherein Y and Y′ are as defined above, and 3c-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 3c-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 3c-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 3c-i) or 3c-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIe) wherein P³ and X₆ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVm) wherein y, Q, R′ are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1l-i)

3d) The compounds of formula (Ig) wherein X₂ is selected from (a1′), (a3′), (b1′), (b3′), (c1′), (e1′), (f2′), (g1′), (h2′), (i2′), (l1′), (m1′), (n1′), (o1′), (p1′), (q1′), (r1′), (s1′), (t1′), (u1′), (v1′), wherein R^(1′) is selected from A1), A2′), A3′), A4′), R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(2a) is selected from B7) and R^(2′) is selected from B1), B2′), B3′), B4′), and R^(3a′), Y and Y′ are as above defined, T and T″ are —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined may be obtained 3d-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIe)

P³⁻X₆  (IIIe)

wherein P³ and X₆ are as above defined, with compounds of formula (IVo)

Hal-CH(R′)—O—(O)C—O-y-Q  (IVo)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, Hal is an halogen atom y is the radical Y when X₆ is selected from (a1′), (b1′), (c1′), (e1′), (f2′), (g1′), (h2′), (i2′), (l1′), (m1′), (n1′), (o1′), (p1′), (q1′), (r1′), (s1′), (t1′), (u1′) and (v1′), y is the radical Y′ when X₆ is selected from (a3′) and (b3′), wherein Y and Y′ are as defined above, and 3d-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 3d-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 3d-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 3d-i) or 3d-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIe) wherein P³ and X₆ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVo) wherein y, Q, R′ are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1l-i).

3e) The compounds of formula (Ig) wherein X₂ is selected from (a7′) or (b7′) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(1b) is selected from B5) or B6) T″ is —C(O)—, T is —X″, —NR′, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein X″ and R′, Y and Y′ are as above defined, may be obtained 3e-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Ih)

P³⁻X₇  (Ih)

wherein P³ is as above defined and X₇ is the radical having the following meaning

-   -   (a7″) —HN—CH(R^(1a)—H)—C(O)-(T-Y-Q)     -   (b7″) —HN—CH(R^(2a)—H)—CH₂—C(O)-(T-Y-Q)         wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected         from B5) or B6), with compounds of formula (IVa)

W₁—C(O)-y-Q  (IVa)

wherein W₁ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 3e-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 3e-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 3e-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 3e-i) or 3e-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ih) wherein P³ and X₇ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein y, Q, W₁ are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1-i1), 1-i2), 1-i3) and 1a-i).

The compounds of formula (Ih) wherein P³ and X₇ are as above defined, T is —X″ are obtained as described in 3a).

The compounds of formula (Ih) wherein P³ and X₇ are as above defined, T is —NR′ are obtained as described in 3b).

The compounds of formula (Ih) wherein P³ and X₇ are as above defined, T is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— are obtained as described in 3c).

The compounds of formula (Ih) wherein P³ and X₇ are as above defined, T is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— are obtained as described in 3d).

3f) The compounds of formula (Ig) wherein X₂ is selected from (a7′) or (b7) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(1b) is selected from B5) or B6) T″ is —C(O)—X″, T is —X″, —NR′, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein X″ and R′, Y and Y′ are as above defined, may be obtained 3f-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Ih)

P³—X₇  (Ih)

wherein P³ and X₇ are as above defined with compounds of formula (IVd)

R_(a)—O—C(O)—X″-y-Q  (IVd)

wherein R_(a), X″ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 3f-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 3f-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 3f-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 3e-i) or 3f-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ih) wherein P³ and X₇ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd) wherein y, Q, R_(a) are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

3g) The compounds of formula (Ig) wherein X₂ is selected from (a7′) or (b7′) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5), A6), R^(1b) is selected from B5), B6), T″ is —C(O)—NR′, T is X″, NR′, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein X″ and R′, Y and Y′ are as above defined, may be obtained 3g-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Ih)

P³—X₇  (Ih)

wherein P³ and X₇ are as above defined, with compounds of formula (IVf)

R_(a)—O—C(O)—NR′—y-Q  (IVf)

wherein R_(a) and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 3g-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 3g-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 3g-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 3g-i) or 3g-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ih) wherein P³ and X₇ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVf) wherein y, Q, R_(a) and R′ are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

The compounds of formula (Ih) wherein P³ and X₇ are as above defined, T is —X″ are obtained as described in 3a).

The compounds of formula (Ih) wherein P³ and X₇ are as above defined, T is —NR′ are obtained as described in 3b).

The compounds of formula (Ih) wherein P³ and X₇ are as above defined, T is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— are obtained as described in 3c).

The compounds of formula (II) wherein P³ and X₇ are as above defined, T is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— are obtained as described in 3d).

3h) The compounds of formula (Ig) wherein X₂ is selected from (a7′) or (b7′) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(1b) is selected from B7), T″ is —X″, T is —X″, —NR′, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein X″ and R′, Y and Y′ are as above defined, may be obtained 3h-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Iv)

P³—X₈  (Iv)

wherein P³ is as above defined and X₈ is the radical having the following meaning

-   -   (a7″) —HN—CH(R^(1a)—H)—C(O)-(T-Y-Q)     -   (b7″) —HN—CH(R^(2a)—H)—CH₂—C(O)-(T-Y-Q)         wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(1b) is selected from         B7), with compounds of formula (IVe)

H—X″-y-Q  (IVe)

wherein X″ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 3h-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 3h-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 3h-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 3h-i) or 3h-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Iv) wherein P³ and X₈ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVe) wherein y, Q, X″ are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i1), 1-i2) and 1a-1).

The compounds of formula (Iv) wherein P³ and X₈ are as above defined, T is —X″ are obtained as described in 3a).

The compounds of formula (Iv) wherein P³ and X₈ are as above defined, T is —NR′ are obtained as described in 3b).

The compounds of formula (Iv) wherein P³ and X₈ are as above defined, T is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— are obtained as described in 3c).

The compounds of formula (Iv) wherein P³ and X₈ are as above defined, T is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— are obtained as described in 3d).

3i) The compounds of formula (Ig) wherein X₂ is selected from (a7′) or (b7′) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(1b) is selected from B7), T″ is NR′, T is —X″, —NR′, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein X″ and R′, Y and Y′ are as above defined, may be obtained

3i-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Iv)

P³—X₈  (Iv)

wherein P³ and X₈ are as above defined, with compounds of formula (IVg)

H—NR′—y-Q  (IVg)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 3i-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 3i-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 3i-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 3i-i) or 3i-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Iv) wherein P³ and X₈ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVg) wherein y, Q, R′ are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1a-i).

3l) The compounds of formula (Ig) wherein X₂ is selected from (a7′) or (b7′) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(1b) is selected from B7), T″ is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—, T is X″, NR′, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein X″ and R′, Y and Y′ are as above defined, may be obtained 3l-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Iv)

P³—X₈  (Iv)

wherein P³ and X₈ are as above defined with compounds of formula (IVm)

Hal-CH(R′)—O(O)C-y-Q  (IVm)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, Hal is an halogen atom and 3l-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 3l-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 3l-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 3l-i) or 3l-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Iv) wherein P³ and X₈ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVm) wherein y, Q, R′ are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1l-i).

3m) The compounds of formula (Ig) wherein X₂ is selected from (a7′) or (b7′) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A7), R^(1b) is selected from B7), T″ is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O—, T is X″, NR′, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein X″ and R′, Y and Y′ are as above defined, may be obtained 3m-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Iv)

P³—X₈  (Iv)

wherein P³ and X₈ are as above defined with compounds of formula (IVo)

Hal-CH(R′)—O(O)C—O-y-Q  (IVo)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, Hal is an halogen atom and 3m-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 3m-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 3m-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 3l-i) or 3m-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Iv) wherein P³ and X₈ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVo) wherein y, Q, R′ are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1l-i).

3n) The compounds of formula (Ig) wherein X₂ is selected from (a3′) or (b3′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5) or B6), Y′ is as above defined, T″ is C(O) may be obtained 3n-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIf),

P³—X₉  (IIIf)

wherein P³ is as above defined, X₈ is a radical having the following meaning

-   -   (a3″) —HN—CH(R^(1a)—H)—COOR^(3a′)     -   (b3″) —HN—CH(R^(2a)—H)—CH₂COOR^(3a′)         wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5 or A6) and R^(2a) is selected         from B5) or B6), wherein R^(3a′) is as above defined, with         compounds of formula (IVa)

W₁—C(O)-y-Q  (IVa)

wherein W₁ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 3n-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 3n-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 3n-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 3n-i) or 3n-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIf) wherein P³ and X₉ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁, y, Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i1), 1-i2), 1a-1).

The compounds of formula (IIIf) wherein P³ and X₉ are as above defined, is commercially available or obtained as known in literature.

3o) The compounds of formula (Ig) wherein X₂ is selected from (a3′) or (b3′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5) or B6), Y′ is as above defined, T″ is C(O)—X″ wherein X″ is as above defined, can be obtained 3o-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIf)

P³—X₉  (IIIf)

wherein P³ and X₉ are as above defined with compounds of formula (IVd)

R_(a)—O—C(O)—X″-y-Q  (IVd)

wherein R_(a), X″, Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 3o-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 3o-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 3o-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 3o-i) or 3o-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIf) wherein P³ and X₉ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd) wherein R_(a), X″, y, Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in l-1-2).

3p) The compounds of formula (Ig) wherein X₂ is selected from (a3′) or (b3′), wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6), R^(2a) is selected from B5) or B6), Y′ is as above defined, T″ is C(O)—NR′ wherein R′ is as above defined, can be obtained 3p-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIg),

P³—X₉  (IIIf)

wherein P³ and X₉ are as above defined, with compounds of formula (IVf)

R_(a)—O—(O)C—NR′-y-Q  (IVf)

wherein R_(a), R′ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 3p-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 3p-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 3p-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 3p-i) or 3p-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIf) wherein P³ and X₉ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVf) wherein R_(a), R′, y, Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

4) The compound of general formula (I) as above defined wherein a is equal to 1, the radical R_(X) is selected from (d1), (d2), (d3), (d4), (d7), (d8), Z is C(O), can be obtained 4-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIb)

R—C(O)—O—R_(a)  (IIb)

wherein R and R_(a) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (Im)

H—X₁₂  (Im)

wherein X₁₂ is the radical R_(X) having the following meaning

-   -   (d1′) —HN—CH(R₁₂′)—CH₂—O-(T″′-Y-Q)     -   (d2′) —O—CH₂—CH(R₁₂′)—NH-(T′Y-Q)     -   (d3′) —HN—CH(R^(12a)-T″-Y′-Q)-CH₂OH     -   (d4′) —O—CH₂—CH(R^(12a)-T″-Y′-Q)-NHR^(4a)     -   (d7′) —HN—CH(R^(12a)-T″-Y′-Q)-CH₂—O-(T″′-Y-Q)     -   (d8′) —O—CH₂—CH(R^(12a)-T″-Y′-Q)-NH-(T′Y-Q)         wherein R₁₂′ is

D1),

D2′) —CH₂—OP¹, —CH(CH₃)—OP¹, —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OP¹)], —CH₂-[(C₆H₃)-(3,5-diiodo)-(4-OP¹)], —CH₂-[(C₆H₃)-3-nitro-(4-OP¹)]; D3′) —CH₂—NHR″″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″″, —(CH₂)₃—NHR″″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″″, wherein R″″ is as above defined; D4′) —CH₂—C(O)R″″, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)R″″′, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)R″″′, wherein R″″′ is as above defined; wherein R^(12a) is as above defined; and 4-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 4-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4-i) or 4-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIb) wherein R and R_(a) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

4a) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is selected from (d1′), (d2′), (d3′) or (d4′) wherein R₁₂′ is selected from D1), D2′), D3′) or D4′) and R^(12a) is selected from D5) or D6), Y and Y′ are as above defined, T′ and T″ and T″′ are C(O) can be obtained 4a-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIi),

P⁴—X₁₃  (IIIi)

wherein P⁴ is P³ or P¹ as above defined and X₁₃ is a radical having the following meaning

-   -   (d1″) —HN—CH(R₁₂′)—CH₂—OH     -   (d2″)—O—CH₂—CH(R₁₂′)—NH₂     -   (d3″)—HN—CH(R^(12a)—H)—CH₂OP¹     -   (d4″)—O—CH₂—CH(R^(12a)—H)—NHR^(4a′)         wherein R₁₂′ is D1), D2′), D3′) or D4′), R^(12a) is D5) or D6),         R^(4a′) and P¹ are as above defined, with a compound of formula         (IVa)

W₁—(O)C-y-Q  (IVa)

wherein Q and W₁ are as above defined, y is the radical Y when X₁₃ is selected from (d1′) or (d2′), y is the radical Y′ when X₁₃ is selected from (d3′) or (d4′), wherein Y and Y′ are as above defined, and 4a-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4a-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 4a-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4a-i) or 4a-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIi) wherein X₁₃ and P⁴ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁, y and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i1) and 1-i2).

The compounds of formula (IIIi) wherein X₁₃ and P⁴ are as above described, are commercially available or known in literature.

4b) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is selected from (d1′), (d2′), (d3′) or (d4′) wherein R₁₂′ is selected from D1), D2′), D3′) or D4′) and R^(12a) is selected from D5) or D6), Y and Y′ are as above defined, T′ and T″ and T″′ are C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is as above defined, can be obtained 4b-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIi),

P⁴—X₁₃  (IIIi)

wherein P⁴ and X₁₃ are defined above, with a compound of formula (IVd)

R_(a)—O—(O)C—X″-y-Q  (IVd)

wherein Q, R_(a) and X″ are as above defined, y is the radical Y when X₁₃ is selected from (d1′) or (d2′), y is the radical Y′ when X₁₃ is selected from (d3′) or (d4′), wherein Y and Y′ are as above defined, and 4b-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4b-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 4b-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4b-i) or 4b-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIi) wherein X₁₃ and P⁴ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd) wherein y, Q, R_(a) and X″ are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

4c) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is selected from (d7′) or (d8′) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D5) or D6), Y′ and Y are as above defined, T′ and T″ and T″′ are C(O), can be obtained 4c-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIl),

P⁴—X₁₄  (IIIl)

wherein P⁴ is P¹ or P³, X₁₄ is the radical having the following meaning

-   -   (d7″)—HN—CH(R^(12a)—H)—CH₂—OH     -   (d8″)—O—CH₂—CH(R^(12a)—H)—NH₂         wherein R^(12a) is selected from D5) or D6), with a compound of         formula (IVa)

W₁—(O)C-y-Q  (IVa)

wherein W₁ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 4c-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4c-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 4c-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4c-i) or 4c-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIl) wherein P⁴ and X₁₄ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁ is OH, y and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i1) using a ratio (IIIl)/(IVa) 1:2.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIl) wherein P⁴ and X₁₄ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁ is OR_(a), y and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i2) using a ratio (IIIl)/(IVa) 1:2.

The compounds of formula (IIIl) wherein P⁴ and X₁₄ are as above described, are commercially available or known in literature.

4d) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is selected from (d7′) or (d8′) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D5) or D6), Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T″, T″′ and T″ are C(O), can be obtained 4d-i) by reacting a compound of formula (In)

P⁴—X₁₅  (In)

wherein P⁴ is defined above and X₁₅ is the radical having the following meaning

-   -   (d1″′) —HN—CH(R^(12a)—H)—CH₂—O-(T″′-Y-Q)     -   (d8″′) —O—CH₂—CH(R^(12a)—H)—NH-(T′Y-Q)         wherein R^(12a) is selected from D5) or D6), Y, Q, T″ and T″′         are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa)

W₁—(O)C-y-Q  (IVa)

wherein W₁, y and Q′ are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 4d-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4d-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 4d-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4d-i) or 4d-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (In) wherein P⁴ and X₁₅ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁ is OH, y and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i1).

The reaction of a compound of formula (In) wherein P⁴ and X₁₅ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁ is OR_(a), y and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

The compounds of formula (In) wherein P⁴ and X₁₅ are as above defined, T″ and T″′ are —C(O)— can by obtained as described in 4a).

4e) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is selected from (d7′) or (d8′) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D5) or D6), Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T″ is C(O)—X″ wherein X″ is as above defined, T″ and T″′ are C(O), can be obtained 4e-i) by reacting a compound of formula (In)

P⁴—X₁₅  (In)

wherein P⁴ and X₁₅ are defined above, with a compound of formula (IVa)

W₁—(O)C-y-Q  (IVa)

wherein W₁, y and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 4e-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 1e-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 4e-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4e-i) or 4e-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (In) wherein P⁴ and X₁₅ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁ is OH, y and Q are as above defined, can by carried out as described in 1-i1).

The reaction of a compound of formula (In) wherein P⁴ and X₁₅ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁ is OR_(a), y and Q are as above defined, can by carried out as described in 1-i2).

The compounds of formula (In) wherein P⁴ and X₁₅ are as above defined can by obtained as described in 4b).

4f) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is selected from (d7′) or (d8′) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D5) or D6), Y and Y′ are the same and are as above defined, T″, T″ and T″′ are C(O)—X″ wherein X″ is as above defined, can be obtained 4f-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIl),

P⁴—X₁₄  (IIIl)

wherein P⁴ and X₁₄ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd)

R_(a)—O—C(O)—X″-y-Q  (IVd)

wherein R_(a), X″ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 4f-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4f-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 4f-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4f-i) or 4f-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIl) wherein P⁴ and X₁₄ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd) wherein R_(a), X″, y and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i2) using a ratio (IIIl)/(IVd) 1:2.

4g) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is selected from (d7′) or (d8′) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D5) or D6), Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T″ is C(O)—X″, T′ and T′″ are C(O) or C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is as above defined, can be obtained 4g-i) by reacting a compound of formula (In)

P⁴—X₁₅  (In)

wherein P⁴ and X₁₅ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd)

R_(a)—O—C(O)—X″-y-Q  (IVd)

wherein R_(a), X″ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 4g-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4g-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 4g-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4g-i) or 4g-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (In) wherein P⁴ and X₁₅ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd) wherein R^(a), X″, y and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

The compounds of formula (In) wherein T″ or T″′ are C(O), P⁴ and X₁₅ are as above defined are obtained as described in 4a-i), 4a-ii).

The compounds of formula (In) wherein T″ or T″′ are C(O)—X″, wherein P⁴ and X₁₅ are as above defined are obtained as described in 4b-i), 4b-ii).

4h) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is selected from (d7′) or (d8′) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D5) or D6), Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T″ is C(O)—NR′—, T′ and T′″ are C(O) or C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is as above defined, can be obtained 4h-i) by reacting a compound of formula (In)

P⁴—X₁₅  (In)

wherein P⁴ and X₁₅ are as above defined, with a compound of formula

R_(a)—O—(O)C—NR′—y-Q  (IVf)

wherein R_(a), R′ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 4h-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4h-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 4h-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4h-i) or 4h-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (In) P⁴ and X₁₅ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVf) wherein R_(a), R′, y, Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

The compounds of formula (In) wherein T″ or T″′ are C(O), wherein P⁴ and X₁₅ are as above defined, are obtained as described in 4a-i), 4a-ii).

The compounds of formula (In) wherein T″ or T″′ are C(O)—X″, wherein P⁴ and X₁₅ are as above defined, are obtained as described in 4b-i), 4b-ii).

4i) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is selected from (d7′) or (d8′) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D7), Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T″ is X″, wherein X″ is as above defined, T″ and T″′ are C(O) or C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is as above defined, can be obtained 4i-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Ir),

P⁴—X₁₆  (Ir)

-   -   (d7″″)—HN—CH(R^(12a)—OH)—CH₂—O-(T″′-Y-Q)     -   (d8″″)—O—CH₂—CH(R^(12a)—OH)—NH-(T′-Y-Q)         wherein P4 is as above defined, R^(12a) is selected from D7),         with a compound of formula (IVe)

HX″-y-Q  (IVe)

wherein Y′, X″ and Q are as above defined, Y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 4i-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4i-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 4i-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4i-i) or 4i-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ir) wherein P4 and X₁₆ are as above defined with a compound of formula (IVe) wherein y, X″ and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i1).

The compounds of formula (Ir) wherein T″ or T″′ are C(O), P⁴ and X₁₆ are as above defined are obtained as described in 4a-i), 4a-ii).

The compounds of formula (Ir) wherein T″ or T″′ are C(O)—X″, P⁴ and X₁₆ are as above defined, are obtained as described in 4b-i), 4b-ii).

4l) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is selected from (d7′) or (d8′) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D7), Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T″ is —NR′ wherein R′ is as above defined, T″ and T″′ are C(O) or C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is as above defined, can be obtained 4l-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Ir),

P⁴—X₁₆  (Ir)

wherein P⁴ and X₁₆ are as above defined and R^(12a) is selected from D7), with a compound of formula

HR′N-y-Q  (IVg)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 4l-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4l-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source such above described and 4l-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4l-i) or 4l-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ir) P⁴ and X₁₆ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVg) wherein R′, y, Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i1).

4m) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is selected from (d7′) or (d8′) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D7), Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T″ is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—, wherein R′ is as above defined, T″ and T″′ are C(O) or C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is as above defined, can be obtained 4m-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Ir),

P⁴—X₁₆  (Ir)

wherein P⁴ and X₁₆ are as above defined and R^(12a) is selected from D7), with a compound of formula (IVm)

Hal-CH(R′)—O(O)C-y-Q  (IVm)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, Hal is an halogen atom, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 4m-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4m-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source such above described and 4m-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4m-i) or l1-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ir) wherein P⁴ and X₁₆ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVm) wherein y, Q, R′ are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1l-i).

4n) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is selected from (d7′) or (d8′) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D7), Q, Y and Y′ are as above defined, T″ is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—O—, wherein R′ is as above defined, T″ and T″′ are C(O) or C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is as above defined, can be obtained 4n-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Ir),

P⁴—X¹⁶  (Ir)

wherein P⁴ and X₁₆ are as above defined and R^(12a) is selected from D7), with a compounds of formula (IVo)

Hal-CH(R′)—O(O)C—O-y-Q  (IVo)

wherein R and Q′ are as above defined, Hal is an halogen atom, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 4n-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4n-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 4n-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4n-i) or 4n-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ir) wherein P⁴ and X₁₆ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVo) wherein y, R′, Q, Hal are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1l-i).

4o) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is (selected from d3′) or (d4′) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D7), Y′ is as above defined, T″ is X″, wherein X″ is defined above, can be obtained 4o-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIm),

P⁴—X₁₇  (IIIm)

wherein P⁴ is defined above and X₁₇ is the radical

-   -   (d3″) —HN—CH(R^(12a)—H)—CH₂OP¹     -   (d4″) —O—CH₂—CH(R^(12a)—H)—NHR^(4a′)

wherein R^(12a) is selected from D7), wherein P¹ and R^(4a′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVe)

HX″-y-Q  (IVe)

wherein X″ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 4o-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4o-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 4o-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4o-i) or 4o-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIm) wherein P⁴ and X₁₇ are as above defined with a compound of formula (IVe) wherein y, X″ and Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i1).

The compounds of formula (IIIm), wherein P⁴ and X₁₇ are as above defined, are commercially available or obtained as known in literature.

4p) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is selected from (d3′) or (d4′) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D7), Y′ is as above defined, T″ is —NR′ wherein R′ is as above defined, can be obtained 4p-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIm),

P⁴—X₁₇  (IIIm)

wherein P⁴ and X₁₇ are as defined above, wherein R^(12a) is selected from D7), with a compound of formula

HR′N-y-Q  (IVg)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 4p-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4p-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source such above described and 4p-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4p-i) or 4p-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIm) wherein P⁴ and X₁₇ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVg) wherein R′, y, Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1a-i).

4q) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is selected from (d3′) or (d4′) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D7), Y′ is as above defined, T″ is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— wherein R′ is as above defined, can be obtained 4q-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIm),

P⁴—X₁₇  (IIIm)

wherein P⁴ and X₁₇ are as defined above, wherein R^(12a) is selected from D7), with a compound of formula (IVm)

Hal-CH(R′)—O(O)C-y-Q  (IVm)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, Hal is an halogen atom, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 4q-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4q-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source such above described and 4q-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4q-i) or 4q-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIm) wherein P⁴ and X₁₇ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVm) wherein R′, y, Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i).

4r) The compound of formula (Im) wherein X₁₂ is selected from (d3′) or (d4′) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D7), Y′ is as above defined, T″ is —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—O— wherein R′ is as above defined, can be obtained 4r-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIm),

P⁴—X₁₇  (IIIm)

wherein P⁴ and X₁₇ are as defined above, wherein R^(12a) is selected from D7), with a compound of formula (IVo)

Hal-CH(R′)—O(O)C—O-y-Q  (IVo)

wherein R′ and Q are as above defined, Hal is an halogen atom, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 4r-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 4r-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 4r-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 4r-i) or 4r-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIm) wherein P⁴ and X₁₇ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVo) wherein y, R′, Q, Hal are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1l-i).

5) The compound of general formula (I) as above defined wherein a is equal to 0, R_(X) is a radical selected from (d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10), wherein R^(12b) is selected from D10) can be obtained 5-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIa)

R—H  (IIa)

wherein R is as above defined, with a compound of formula (Is)

W—X₁₈  (Is)

wherein W is as above defined, X is the radical having the following meanings

-   -   (d5′) —R^(12b)—CH(NHR^(4a))—CH₂—O-(T″′-Y-Q)     -   (d6′) —R^(12b)—CH(CH₂OH)—NH-(T′Y-Q)     -   (d9′) —R^(12b)—CH(NH-T″-Y′-Q)-CH₂—O-(T′Y-Q)     -   (d10′) —R^(12b)—CH(CH₂—O-T″-Y′-Q)-NH-(T′Y-Q)         wherein R^(12b) is selected from D10), T′, T″′, Y, Y′ and Q are         as above defined and         5-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the         step 5-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate         source as above described and         5-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step         5-i) or 5-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIa) wherein R is as above defined, with a compound of formula (Is) wherein W and X is are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1).

5a) The compounds of formula (Is) wherein X₁₈ is a radical of formula (d5′) or (d6′), wherein R^(12b) is selected from D10), T″ and T″′ are C(O) can be obtained 5a-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIn),

P²—X₁₉  (IIIn)

wherein P² is as above defined, X₁₉ is the radical having the following meanings

-   -   (d5″) —R^(12b)—CH(NHP³)—CH₂—OH     -   (d6″) —R^(12b)—CH(CH₂OP¹)—NH₂         wherein P¹ and P³ are as above defined and R^(12b) is selected         from D10), with a compound of formula (IVa)

W₁—C(O)-y-Q  (IVa)

wherein W₁, y, Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y, wherein Y is as above defined, and 5a-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 5a-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 5a-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 5a-i) or 5a-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIn) wherein P² and X₁₉ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) W₁, y, and Q are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1-i1), 1-i2), 1-i3) and 1a-1).

The compounds of formula (IIIn), wherein P² and X₁₉ are as above defined, are commercially available or obtained as known in literature.

5b) The compounds of formula (Is) wherein X₁₈ is a radical of formula (d5′) or (d6′), wherein R^(12b) is selected from D10), T″ and T″′ are C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is defined above, can be obtained 5b-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIn),

P²—X₁₉  (IIIn)

wherein P² and X₁₉ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd)

R_(a)—O—C(O)—X″-y-Q  (IVd)

wherein R_(a) and Q, X″ are as above defined, y is the radical Y, wherein Y is as above defined, and 5b-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 5b-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 5b-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 5b-i) or 5b-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIn) wherein P² and X₁₉ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd) R_(a), y, Q, X″ are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

5c) The compounds of formula (Is) wherein X₁₈ is a radical of formula (d9′), wherein R^(12b) is selected from D10), Y and Y′ are as defined above, T′ is C(O)— and T″′ is C(O) or C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is defined above, can be obtained 5c-i) by reacting a compound of formula (It),

P²—X₂₀  (It)

wherein P² is as above defined and X₂₀ is the radical having the following meanings

-   -   (d9″) —R^(12b)—CH(NH₂)—CH₂—O-(T″′-Y-Q)         wherein R^(12b) is selected from D10), T″′, Y and Q are as above         defined, with a compound of formula (IVa)

W₁—C(O)-y-Q  (IVa)

wherein W₁ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 5c-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 5c-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 5c-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 5c-i) or 5c-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (It) wherein P² and X₂₀ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁, y, Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i1), 1-i2), 1-i3) and 1a-1).

5d) The compounds of formula (Is) wherein X₁₈ is a radical of formula (d9′), wherein R^(12b) is selected from D10), T′ is C(O)—X″ and T″′ is C(O)— or C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is defined above, can be obtained 5d-i) by reacting a compound of formula (It′),

P²—X_(20′)  (It′)

wherein P² and X_(20′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd)

R_(a)—O—C(O)—X″-y-Q  (IVd)

wherein R_(a) and Q, X″ are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 5d-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 5d-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 5d-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 5d-i) or 5d-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (It′) wherein P² and X_(20′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd) R_(a), y, Q, X″ are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

5e) The compounds of formula (Is) wherein X is the radical of formula (d10′), wherein R^(12b) is selected from D10), Y and Y′ are as defined above, T″′ is C(O)— and T′ is C(O) or C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is defined above, can be obtained 5e-i) by reacting a compound of formula (It),

P²—X₂₀  (It)

wherein P² is as above defined and X₂₀ is the radical having the following meaning

-   -   (d10″) —R^(12b)—CH(CH₂—OH)—NH-(T′Y-Q)         wherein R^(12b) is selected from D10), T′, Y and Q are as above         defined, with a compound of formula (IVa)

W₁—C(O)-y-Q  (IVa)

wherein W₁ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 5e-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 5e-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 5e-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 5e-i) or 5e-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (It) wherein P² and X₂₀ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁, y, Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i1), 1-i2), 1-i3) and 1a-1).

5f) The compounds of formula (Is) wherein X is the radical of formula (d10′), wherein R^(12b) is selected from D10), T″′ is C(O)—X″ and T′ is C(O)— or C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is defined above, can be obtained 5f-i) by reacting a compound of formula (It′),

P²—X_(20′)  (It′)

wherein P² and X_(20′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd)

R_(a)—O—C(O)—X″-y-Q  (IVd)

wherein R_(a) and Q, X″ are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 5f-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 5f-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 5f-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 5f-i) or 5f-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (It′) wherein P² and X_(20′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd) R_(a), y, Q, X″ are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

6) The compounds of general formula (I) as above defined wherein a is equal to 1, R_(X) is a radical selected from (d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10), wherein R^(12b) is selected from D10), Z is —CH(R′)—O—, wherein R′ is defined above, can be obtained 6-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIa)

R—OH  (IIa)

wherein R is as above defined with a compound of formula (Iu)

Hal-CH(R′)—O—X₂₁  (Iu)

wherein Hal is an halogen atom, R′ is as above defined and X₂₁ is a radical selected from (d5′), (d6′), (d9′) or (d10′), wherein R^(12b) is selected from D10), and 6-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 6-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 6-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 6-i) or 6-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Iu) wherein Hal, X₂₁ and R′ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IIa) wherein R is as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1l-i).

The compounds of formula (Iu) are obtained by reacting a compound R′—CHO, wherein R′ is as above defined with compounds of formula (IIIo)

W—X₂₂  (IIIo)

wherein W is a chlorine atom, X₂₂ is the radical having the following meanings

-   -   (d5″′) —R^(12b)—CH(NHP³)—CH₂—O-(T″′-Y-Q)     -   (d6″′) —R^(12b)—CH(CH₂OP¹)—NH-(T′Y-Q)     -   (d9″′) —R^(12b)—CH(NH-T′Y′-Q)-CH₂—O-(T″′-Y-Q)     -   (d10″′) —R^(12b)—CH(CH₂—O-T″-Y′-Q)-NH-(T′Y-Q)         wherein R^(12b), P³, P¹, T″, T″′, Y′, Y and Q are as above         defined, and ZnCl₂ as known in literature.

The compounds of formula (IIIo), wherein W and X₂₂ are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 5).

7) The compounds of general formula (I) as above defined wherein a is equal to 1, R_(X) is a radical selected from (d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10), wherein R^(12b) is selected from D8) or D9), Z is —C(O)—, can be obtained 7-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIb)

R—C(O)—O—R_(a)  (IIb)

wherein R and R_(a) are as above defined with a compound of formula (Iv)

H—X₂₃  (Iv)

wherein X₂₃ is a radical selected from (d5′), (d6′), (d9′) or (d10′), wherein R^(12b) is selected from D8) or D9), and 7-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 7-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 7-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 7-i) or 7-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Iv) wherein X₂₃ and is as above defined, with a compound of formula (IIb) wherein R is as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1l-i).

8) The compound of general formula (I) as above defined wherein a is equal to 0, R_(X) is a radical selected from (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10), (b5), (b6), (b9) or (b10) wherein R^(1b) is selected from A10) and R^(2b) is selected from B10), can be obtained 8-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIa)

R—H  (IIa)

wherein R is as above defined, with a compound of formula (Iz)

W—X₂₄  (Iz)

wherein W is as above defined, X₂₄ is the radical R_(X) having the following meanings

-   -   (a5′) —R^(1b)—CH(NHR^(4a))—C(O)-(T-Y-Q)     -   (a6′) —R^(1b)—CH(COOR^(3a)) NH-(T′Y-Q)     -   (a9′) —R^(1b)—CH(NH-T′Y′-Q)-C(O)-(T-Y-Q)     -   (a10′) —R^(1b)—CH(C(O)-T′Y′-Q)-NH-(T-Y-Q)     -   (b5′) —R^(2b)—CH(NHR^(4a))—CH₂C(O)-(T-Y-Q)     -   (b6′) —R^(2b)—CH(CH₂COOR^(3a))NH-(T′Y-Q)     -   (b9′) —R^(2b)—CH(NH-T′Y′-Q)-CH₂C(O)-(T-Y-Q)     -   (b10′) —R^(2b)—CH(CH₂C(O)-T′Y′-Q)-NH-(T-Y-Q)         wherein R^(1b) is selected from A10), R^(2b) is selected from         B10), T, T′, Y and Q are as above defined and         8-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the         step 8-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate         source as above described and         8-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step         8-i) or 8-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIa) wherein r is as above defined, with a compound of formula (Iv) wherein W and X₂₄ are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1).

8a) The compounds of formula (Iz) wherein X₂₄ is a radical of formula (a5′), (a6′), (b5′) or (b6′), wherein R^(1b) is selected from A10) and R^(2b) is selected from B10), T and T′ are C(O) can be obtained 8a-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIq),

P²—X₂₅  (IIIq)

wherein P² is as above defined, X₂₅ is the radical having the following meanings

-   -   (a5″) —R^(1b)—CH(NHP³)—C(O)—OH     -   (a6″) —R^(1b)—CH(COOP²)—NH₂     -   (b5″) —R^(2b)—CH(NHP³)—CH₂C(O)—OH     -   (b6″) —R^(2b)—CH(CH₂COOP²)NH₂         wherein P2 and P3 are as above defined and R^(1b) is selected         from A10), R^(2b) is selected from B10), with a compound of         formula (IVa)

W₁—C(O)-y-Q  (IVa)

wherein W₁ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y, wherein Y is as above defined, and 8a-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 8a-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 8a-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 8a-i) or 8a-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIq) wherein P² and X₂₅ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) W₁, Y, and Q are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1-i1), 1-i2), 1-i3) and 1a-1).

The compounds of formula (IIIq), wherein P² and X₂₅ are as above defined, are commercially available or obtained as known in literature.

8b) The compounds of formula (Iz) wherein X₂₄ is the radical of formula (a5′), (a6′), (b5′) or (b6′), wherein R^(1b) is selected from A10) and R^(2b) is selected from B10), T and T′ are C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is defined above, can be obtained 8b-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIIq),

P²—X²⁵  (IIIq)

wherein P² and X₂₅ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd)

R_(a)—O—C(O)—X″-y-Q  (IVd)

wherein R_(a), Q and X″ are as above defined, y is the radical Y, wherein Y is as above defined, and 8b-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 8b-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 8b-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 8b-i) or 8b-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (IIIq) wherein P² and X₂₅ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd) R_(a), y, Q, X″ are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

8c) The compounds of formula (Iz) wherein X₂₄ is the radical of formula (a9′) or (b9′) wherein R^(1b) is selected from A10), and R^(2b) is selected from B10) Y and Y′ are as defined above, T is C(O)— or C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is defined above and T″ is C(O) can be obtained 8c-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Iy),

P²—X₂₆  (Iy)

wherein P² is as above defined and X₂₆ is the radical having the following meanings

-   -   (a9″) —R^(1b)—CH(NH₂)—C(O)-(T-Y-Q)     -   (b9″) —R^(2b)—CH(NH₂)—CH₂C(O)-(T-Y-Q)         wherein R^(1b) is selected from A10) and R^(2b) is selected from         B10), with a compound of formula (IVa)

W₁—C(O)-y-Q  (IVa)

wherein W₁ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 8c-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 8c-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 8c-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 8c-i) or 8c-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Iy) wherein P² and X₂₆ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁, y, Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i1), 1-i2), 1-i3) and 1a-1).

8d) The compounds of formula (Iz) wherein X₂₄ is the radical of formula (a9′) or (b9′) wherein R^(1b) is selected from A10), R^(2b) is selected from B10), Y and Y′ are as defined above, T is C(O)— or C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is defined above and T″ is C(O)—X″ can be obtained 8d-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Iy),

P²—X₂₆  (Iy)

wherein P² and X₂₆ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd)

R_(a)—O—C(O)—X″-y-Q  (IVd)

wherein R_(a) and X″ are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 8d-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 8d-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 8d-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 8d-i) or 8d-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Iy) wherein P² and X₂₀ are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd) R_(a), y, Q, X″ are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

8e) The compounds of formula (Iz) wherein X₂₄ is the radical of formula (a10′) or (b10′) wherein R^(1b) is selected from A10), and R^(2b) is selected from in B10) Y and Y′ are as defined above, T is C(O)— or C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is defined above and T′ is C(O) can be obtained 8e-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Iy′),

P²—X_(26′)  (Iy′)

wherein P² is as above defined and X_(26′) is the radical having the following meanings

-   -   (a10″) —R^(1b)—CH(C(O)—OH)—NH-(T-Y-Q)     -   (b10″) —R^(2b)—CH(CH₂C(O)—OH)—NH-(T-Y-Q)         wherein R^(1b) is selected from selected from A10) and R^(2b) is         B10), with a compound of formula (IVa)

W₁—C(O)-y-Q  (IVa)

wherein W₁ and Q are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 8e-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 8e-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 8e-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 8e-i) or 8e-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Iy′) wherein P² and X_(26′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVa) wherein W₁, y, Q are as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1-i1), 1-i2), 1-i3) and 1a-1).

8f) The compounds of formula (Iz) wherein X₂₄ is the radical of formula (a10′) or (b10′) wherein R^(1b) is selected from A10), and R^(2b) is selected from B10), Y and Y′ are as defined above, T is C(O)— or C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is defined above and T′ is C(O)—X″ can be obtained 8f-i) by reacting a compound of formula (Iy′),

P²—X_(26′)  (Iy′)

wherein P² and X_(26′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd)

R_(a)—O—C(O)—X″-y-Q  (IVd)

wherein R_(a) and X″ are as above defined, y is the radical Y′, wherein Y′ is as above defined, and 8f-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 8f-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 8f-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 8f-i) or 8f-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Iy′) wherein P² and X_(26′) are as above defined, with a compound of formula (IVd) R_(a), y, Q, X″ are as above defined may be carried out as described in 1-i2).

9) The compounds of general formula (I) as above defined wherein a is equal to 1, R_(X) is a radical selected from (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10), (b5), (b6), (b9) or (b10) wherein R^(1b) is selected from A8) or A9), R^(2b) is selected from B8) or B9), Z is —C(O)—, can be obtained 9-i) by reacting a compound of formula (IIb)

R—C(O)—O—R_(a)  (IIb)

wherein R and R_(a) are as above defined with a compound of formula (Ix)

H—X₂₇  (Ix)

wherein X₂₇ is the radical selected from (a5′), (a6′), (a9′), (a10′), (b5′), (b6′), (b9′) or (b10′), wherein R^(1b) is selected from A8) or A9), R^(2b) is selected from B8) or B9), and 9-ii) when Q is Z₂, by converting the compound obtained in the step 9-i) into nitro derivative by reaction with a nitrate source as above described and 9-iii) optionally deprotecting the compounds obtained in step 9-i) or 9-ii) as above described.

The reaction of a compound of formula (Ix) wherein X₂₇ and is as above defined, with a compound of formula (IIb) wherein R is as above defined, may be carried out as described in 1l-i). 

1. Nitric oxide releasing compounds of general formula (I) R—(Z)_(a)—R_(x)  (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or stereoisomers thereof wherein in formula (I) R is a corticosteroid residue of formula (II):

wherein: R₁ is H, OH, —OC(O)O_(m)R_(i) wherein m is equal to 0 or 1, R_(i) is a branched or straight C₁-C₁₀ alkyl; R₂ is H, —CH₃, ═CH₂, OH, or R₁ and R₂ are taken together to form a group of formula (III)

wherein R_(A1) and R_(A2) are independently selected from H, a C₁-C₁₀ linear or branched alkyl chain, a C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or R_(A1) and R_(A2), taken together, are a C₃-C₆ cycloalkyl or R_(A1) and R_(A2), taken together, are the group of formula (IV)

wherein R_(A3) is a C₁-C₁₀ linear or branched alkyl chain; R₃ is H, Cl; R₄ is H, CH₃, Cl, F, CH═O, or R₃ and R₄ taken together are a double bond; R_(4A) is H; R₅ is H, or R_(4A) and R₅ taken together are a double bond; R₆ is H, or R₅ and R₆ taken together are a double bond; R₇ is OH, OCH₂CH₂C₁; R_(7A) is H, or R₇ and R_(7A) taken together are a ═O; R₈ is H, Cl, Br, or R₇ and R₈ taken together are the group of formula (V)

R_(8A) is H, or R_(7A) and R_(8A) taken together are a double bond; R₉ is H, or R₈ and R₉ taken together are a double bond; R₁₀ is H, Cl, F; R₁₁ is H, OH, or R₁₀ and R₁₁ taken together are a double bond; R_(11A) is H, or R₁₁ and R_(11A) taken together are a ═O; R₁₂ is H, CH₃ or ═O; wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R_(4A), R₅, R₆, R₇, R_(7A), R_(8A), R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁ and R_(11A) can be linked to the correspondent carbon atoms of the steroidal structure in position α or β; excluding the following corticosteroid residues R:

a in formula (I) is equal to 0 or 1; Z is a group capable of binding R_(x) and is selected from —C(O)—, or —CH(R′)—O— wherein R′ is selected from H or a straight or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl; R_(x) is a radical selected from the following meanings: A) (a1) —HN—CH(R₁)—C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂) (a2) —C(O)—CH(R₁)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂) (a3) —HN—CH(R^(1a)-T″-Y′ ONO₂)—COOR^(3a) (a4) —C(O)—CH(R^(1a)-T″-Y″—ONO₂)—NHR^(4a) (a5) —R^(1b)—CH(NHR^(4a))—C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂) (a6) —R^(1b)—CH(COOR^(3a)) NH-(T′Y—ONO₂) (a7) —HN—CH(R^(1a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂) (a8) —C(O)—CH(R^(1a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂) (a9) —R^(1b)—CH(NH-T′Y″—ONO₂)—C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂) (a10) —R^(1b)—CH(C(O)-T-Y′—ONO₂)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂) wherein: R₁ is selected from: A1) H, —CH₃, isopropyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, methylthio-(CH₂)₂—, phenyl, benzyl, C₆H₅—CH₂—CH₂—, 2-monosubstituted benzyl, or 3-monosubstituted benzyl or 4-monosubstituted benzyl wherein the substituent of the benzyl is selected from —F, —Cl, I, —NO₂, —CF₃, —CH₃, CN, C₆H₅CO; 2,4-dichlorobenzyl, 3,4-dichlorobenzyl, 3,4-difluorobenzyl, 2-pyrrolidyl, 3-triptophanyl-CH₂—, 3-benzothienyl-CH₂—, 4-imidazolyl-CH₂₋₉-anthranyl-CH₂—, cyclohexyl, cyclohexyl-CH₂—, cyclohexyl-(CH₂)₂—, cyclopentyl-CH₂—, (C₆H₅)₂CH—, 4-B(OH)-2-benzyl, 2-quinolyl-CH₂ —2-quinoxalyl-CH₂—, 2-furyl-CH₂—, 1-naphtyl-CH₂—, 2-naphtyl-CH₂— 2-pyridyl-CH₂—, 3-pyridyl-CH₂—, 4-pyridyl-CH₂—, 2-thienyl-CH₂₋₃-thienyl-CH₂—, C₆H₄—CH═CH—CH₂—, CH₂═CH—CH₂—, CH═CH—CH₂—, CH₂═CH—CH₂—NH₂—CO—(CH₂)₂—NH₂ (═NH)NH—(CH₂)₃—P(═O) (OCH₃)₂, I—CH₂; A2) —CH₂—SH, —CH₂—OH, —CH(CH₃)—OH, —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)]—CH₂—[(C₆H₂)-(3,5-diiodo)-(4-OH)], —CH₂-[(C₆H₃)-(3-nitro)-(4-OH), A3) —CH₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₃—NHR″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is H, —C(O)CH₃ or

wherein R^(5a) is H or a linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl chain; A4) —CH₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)R″—(CH₂)₄—C(O)R″ wherein R″′ is —OR^(5a) or

wherein R^(5a) is as above defined, R^(1a) is selected from: A5) —CH₂—S—, —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)—O—, —CH₂[(O₆H₄)—(4-O)—]—CH₂-[(3,5-diiodo)-(C₆H₂)-(4-O)—], —CH₂-[(3-nitro)-(C₆H₃)-(4-O)—], A6) —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, A7) —CH₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₄—C(O) R^(3a) is selected from H, —R^(5a) or

wherein R^(5a) is as above defined, R^(4a) is selected from H or —C(O)CH₃ or

wherein R^(5a) is as above defined, R^(1b) is selected from A8) —S—CH₂—, —O—CH(CH₃)—O—CH₂—, [-(4-O)—(O₆H₄)]—CH₂—, [-(4-O)-(3,5-diiodo)-(C₆H₂)—CH₂—, [-(4-O)-(3-nitro)-(C₆H₃)]—CH₂—, A9) —HN—CH₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₃—, —HN—(CH₂)₄—, A10) —C(O)—CH₂, —C(O)—(CH₂)₂—, —C(O)—(CH₂)₄—, T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined; T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″— wherein X″ is —O— or —S—, or T′ is —C(O)— wherein R′ is as above defined; T″ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″—, —C(O)—NR′—O—, —S—, —NR′—O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O—, wherein X″ and R′ are as above defined, with the proviso that T″ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″— or —C(O)—NR′— when T″ is linked to —NH—, —O— or —S—, or T″ is —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— when T″ is linked to —C(O)—, Y and Y′ are as below defined; or R_(x) is selected from: B) (b1) —HN—CH(R₂)—CH₂—C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂) (b2) —C(O)—CH₂—CH(R₂)—NH-(T″-Y—ONO₂) (b3) —HN—CH(R^(2a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—CH₂COOR^(3a) (b4) —C(O)—CH₂-CH(R^(2a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—NHR^(4a) (b5) —R^(2b)—CH(NHR^(4a))—CH₂C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂) (b6) —R^(2b)—CH(CH₂COOR^(3a))NH-(T″-Y—ONO₂) (b7) —HN—CH(R^(2a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—CH₂—C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂) (b8) —C(O)—CH₂—CH(R^(2a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂) (b9) —R^(2b)—CH(NH-T′Y′ ONO₂)—CH₂C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂) (b10) —R^(2b)—CH(CH₂C(O)-T-Y″—ONO₂)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂) wherein R₂ is selected from: B1) H, —CH₃, CF₃, isopropyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, methylthio-(CH₂)₂-phenyl, benzyl, 3-triptophanyl-CH₂—, NH₂—C(O)—CH₂—NH₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₂—, NH₂ (═NH)NH—(CH₂)₃—, tBuO-CH(CH₃)—, benzyl-O—CH₂—, 4-terbutoxy-benzyl, 4-phenylbenzyl, B2) —CH₂—SH, —CH₂—OH, —CH(CH₃)—OH, —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)], —CH₂-[(C₆H₂)-(3,5-diiodo)-(4-OH)], —CH₂-[(C₆H₃)-(3-nitro)-(4-OH)]; B3) —CH₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″—(CH₂)₃—NHR″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is as above defined, B4) —CH₂—C(O), —(CH₂)₂—C(O) R″—(CH₂)₂—C(O)—R″′ wherein R″′ is as above defined, R^(2a) is selected from: B5) —CH₂—S—, —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)—O— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], —CH₂-[(3,5-diiodo)-(C₆H₂) (4-O)—]—CH₂-[(3-nitro)-(C₆H₃)-(4-O)—], B6) —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—(CH₂)—(CH₂)₄—NH—, B7) —CH₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₄—C(O)—, R^(2b) is selected from B8) —S—CH₂—, —O—CH(CH₂)— —O—CH₂-[-(4-O)—(C₆H₄)—CH₂—. (4-O)-(3,5-diiodo)-(C₆H₂)[-(4-O)-(3-nitro)-(C6H3)-CH₂— B9) —HN—CH₂—HN—(CH₂)₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₃—, —HN—(CH₂)₄— B10) —C(O)—CH₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₂—, —C(O)—(CH₂)₄—, R^(3a) and R^(4a) are as above defined; T, T′ and T″ are as above defined and Y and Y′ are as below defined; or R_(c) is selected from: C) (d) —HN—(CH₂)_(b)—C(O)-(T-Y—ONO₂); (c2) —C(O)—(CH₂)_(b)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂); wherein b is an integer from 3 to 6, T and T′ are as above defined and Y and Y′ are as below defined; D) (d1) —HN—CH(R₁₂)—CH₂—O-(T″′-Y—ONO₂) (d2) —O—CH₂—CH(R₁₂)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂) (d3) —HN—CH(R^(12a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—CH₂OH (d4) —O—CH₂—CH(R^(12a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—NHR^(4a) (d5) —R^(12b)—CH(NHR^(4a))—CH₂—O-(T″-Y—ONO₂) (d6) —R^(12b)—CH(CH₂OH)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂) (d7) —HN—CH(R^(12a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—CH₂—O-(T″-Y—ONO₂) (d8) —O—CH₂—CH(R^(12a)-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—NH-(T′Y—ONO₂) (d9) —R^(12b)—CH(NH—R—Y′—ONO₂)(T″-Y—ONO₂) (d10) —R^(12b)—CH(CH₂—O-T″-Y′—ONO₂)—NH-(T′-Y—ONO₂) wherein T″′ is independently selected from —C(O)—C(O) X″— wherein X″— is —O— or —S—, or —C(O)—NR′— wherein R′ is as above defined; T″ and T″ are as above defined, Y and Y′ are as below defined; R₁₂ is selected from: D1) H, —CH₃, isopropyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, methylthio-(CH₂)₂—, benzyl, 3-triptophanyl-CH₂—, 4-imidazolyl-CH₂—, NH₂—CO—CH₂—, NH₂—CO—(CH₂)₂—, NH₂ (═NH)NH—(CH₂)₃— D2) —CH₂—OH, —CH(CH₃)—OH, CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)], —CH₂-[(C₆H₃)-(3,5-diiodo)-(4-OH)], —CH₂-[(C₆H₃)-(3-nitro)-(4-OH)], D3) —CH₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₃—NHR″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″) wherein R″ is as above defined, D4) —CH₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)R″′ wherein R″′ is as above defined, R^(12a) is selected from D5) —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)—O— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], —CH₂-[3,5-diiodo-(C₆H₂)-(4-O)—], —CH₂-[3-nitro-(C₆H₃)-4-O—], D6) —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, D7) —CH₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₄—C(O)—, R^(12b) is selected from D8) —O—CH₂—, —O—CH(CH₃)—, [-(4-O)—(C₆H₄) —CH₂—, [-(4-O)-(3,5-diiodo)-(C₆H₂)]—CH₂, [-(4-O)-(3-nitro)-(C₆H₃)—CH₂—, D9) —HN—CH₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₃—HN—(CH₂)₄—, D10) —C(O)—CH₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₄ R^(4a) is as above defined; or R_(x) is selected from:

wherein c is equal to 0 or 1, d is an integer from 0 to 3 with the proviso that c is 0 or 1 when d is 0 and c is 0 when d is 1, 2 or 3, T and T″ are as above defined and Y is as below defined;

(XI) wherein e and f are equal to 0 or 1, with the proviso that f is 0 when e is 0 and f is 0 or 1 when e is 1, T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein R₃ is H, CH₃, propyl, (C₆H₅)₂CH—, 1-naphtyl-CH₂— benzyl, allyl, 2-bromobenzyl, 2-chlorobenzyl, 3-chlorobenzyl, 4-fluorobenzyl, 4-bromobenzyl, 4-methylbenzyl, T and T″ are as above defined and Y is as below defined;

wherein R₄ is H, benzyl, 4-bromobenzyl, 2-bromobenzyl, T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below defined;

wherein R₅ is H, R₆ is H, or R₅ and R₆ when taken together are a double bond, T and T are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein c is as above defined, d is equal to 0 or 1, T and T are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein R₇ is H, R₈ is H, or R₇ and R₈ when taken together are a double bond, c is as above defined, T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T″ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein R₉ and R₁₀ are H, CH₃, R₁₁ is CH₃ or 4-piperidinyl with the proviso that R₉ and R₁₀ are H when R₁₁ is 4-piperidinyl and R₉ and are CH₃ when R₁₁ is CH₃, T and T are as above defined and Y is as below reported;

wherein T and T′ are as above defined and Y is as below reported; with the proviso that in the formula (I): a is 0 or a is 1 and Z is —CH(R′)—O— wherein R′ is as above defined, when R_(x) is: (a2), (a4) or (a8); (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) and R^(1b) is selected from the group A10); (b2), (b4) or (b8); (b5), (b6), (b9) or (b10) and R^(2b) is selected from the group B10); (c2); (d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10) and R^(12b) is selected from the group D10); (e2), (f1), (g2), (hi), (i1), (12), (m2), (n2), (o2), (p2), (q2), (r2), (s2), (t1) or (u2); a is 1 and Z is —C(O)—, when R_(x) is: (a1), (a3) or (a7); (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) and R^(1b) is selected from the groups A8) and A9); (b1), (b3) or (b7); (b5), (b6), (b9) or (b10) and R^(2b) is selected from the groups B8) or B9); (c1); (d1), (d2), (d3), (d4), (d7) or (d8); (d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10) and R^(12b) is selected from the groups D8) or D9); (e1), (f2), (g1), (h2), (i2), (l1), (ml), (n1), (o1), (p1), (q1), (r1), (s1), (t2) or (u1). Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals each independently selected from the following meanings: a) straight or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene; straight or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene substituted with one or more of the substituents selected from the group consisting of: halogen atoms, hydroxy, —ONO₂ or T₂, wherein T₂ is —OC(O)(C₁-C₁₀ alkyl)-ONO₂ or —O(C₁-C₁₀ alkyl)-ONO₂; cycloalkylene with 5 to 7 carbon atoms into cycloalkylene ring, the ring being optionally substituted with one or more straight or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl chains;

wherein n⁰ is an integer from 0 to 20; n¹ is 0 or 1; U is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group;

wherein n⁰ is an integer from 0 to 20; n¹ is 0 or 1; U is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group;

wherein: n² is an integer from 0 to 2, R₁₃ is H or CH₃, T₁ is —O—C(O)— or —C(O)O—; n¹ and U are as above defined;

n² is an integer from 0 to 2; R₁₃ is H or CH₃; Y¹ is —CH₂—CH₂— or —CH═CH—(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)—, wherein n^(2′) is 0 or 1; T1=—O—C(O)— or —C(O)O—; n¹ is 0 or 1; U is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group; R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)— and n^(2′) is 0, T₁ is —C(O)O— and U is a linear C₁-C₁₀ alkylene;

wherein: n² is an integer from 0 to 2; R₁₃ is H or CH₃; Y¹ is —CH₂—CH₂— or —(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)—CH═CH— wherein n^(2′), 0 or 1; (T₁)′=—O—C(O)—; n¹ is 0 or 1; U is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group; R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)— and n^(2′) is 0, T₁ is —OC(O)— and U is a linear C₁-C₁₀ alkylene;

wherein T₂ is —O— or —S—, —NH; n³ is an integer from 1 to 6; when Y and Y′ are selected from b), c), d), e), e′) or f), the —ONO₂ group of -(T-Y—ONO₂), -(T′-Y—ONO₂), -(T″-Y′—ONO₂), -(T″′-Y—ONO₂) and -(T″′-Y′—ONO₂) is linked to the —(CH₂)*— group;

wherein: n⁴ is an integer from 0 to 10; n⁵ • n⁵ is an integer from 1 to 10; R₁₄, R₁₅, R₁₆, R₁₇ are the same or different, and are H or straight or branched C₁-C₄alkyl; wherein the —ONO₂ group is linked to

wherein n⁵ is as defined above; Y² is an heterocyclic saturated, unsaturated or aromatic 5 or 6 members ring, containing one or more heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur, and is selected from the group consisting of:


2. The nitric oxide releasing compounds according to claim 1 wherein a is 0 or a is 1 and Z is —CH(R′)—O— wherein R′ is selected from H or straight or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl; R_(x) is selected from the following meanings (a2) wherein R₁ is selected from A1), A2), A3) or A4); (a4) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5), A6) or A7); (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) wherein R^(1b) is selected from A10); (a8) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6) or A7); (b2) wherein R₂ is selected from B1); (g2) wherein R₃ is H; T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined; T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″—, —O— or —S—, or —C(O)—NR′, wherein X″ and R′ are as above defined; T″ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—, —C(O)—X″—, wherein X″ is —O— or —S—, —NR′—; Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from a) straight or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene; straight or branched d-do alkylene substituted with one or more of the substituents selected from the group consisting of: halogen atoms, hydroxy, —ONO₂ or 12, wherein T₂ is —OC(O)(C₁-C₁₀ alkyl) ONO₂ or —O(C₁-C₁₀ alkyl)-ONO₂; cycloalkylene with 5 to 7 carbon atoms into cycloalkylene ring, the ring being optionally substituted with one or more straight or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl chains; b)

wherein n° is an integer from 0 to 20; n¹ is 0 or 1; U is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group;

n is an integer from 0 to 2; R₁₃ is H or CH₃; Y¹ is —CH₂—CH₂— or —CH═CH(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)—, wherein n^(2′) is 0 or 1; T₁=—O—C(O)— or —C(O)O—; n¹ is 0 or 1; U is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group; R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)— and e is 0, T₁ is —C(O)O— and U is a linear C₁-C₁₀ alkylene;

wherein T₂ is —O— or —S—, —NH; n³ is an integer from 1 to 6; when Y and Y′ are selected from b), c), d), e), e′) or f), the —ONO₂ group of -(T-Y—ONO₂), (T′Y—ONO₂)(T″-Y′—ONO₂), -(T′-Y′—ONO₂), -(T″′-Y—ONO₂) and -(T-Y′—ONO₂) is linked to the —(CH₂)*— group.
 3. The nitric oxide releasing compounds according to claim 2 wherein a is 0 or a is 1 and Z is —CH(R)—O— wherein R′ is selected from H or straight or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl; R_(x) is (a2) wherein R₁ of the group AI) is selected from H, isobutyl, benzyl, C₆H₅—CH₂—CH₂—, 2-monosubstituted benzyl, or 3-monosubstituted benzyl or 4-monosubstituted benzyl, or R₁ of the group A2) is selected from —CH₂—OH, —CH(CH₃)OH— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)], or R₁ of the group A3) is selected from CH₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₃—NHR″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is H, or R₁ of the group A4) is selected from —CH₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)R″′ wherein R″′ is OH; or R_(x) is (a4) wherein R^(1a) of the group A5) is selected from —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)O— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], or R^(1a) of the group A6) is selected from —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH—, or R^(1a) of the group A7) is selected from —CH₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₄—C(O)—; or R_(x) is selected from (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) wherein R^(1b) of the group A10) is selected from —C(O) CH₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₂—, —C(O)—(CH₂)₄—; or R_(x) is (a8) wherein R^(1a) of the group A5) is selected from —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)—O— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], or R^(1a) of the group A6) is selected from —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—-(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH— or R^(1a) of the group A7) is selected from —CH₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—-(CH₂)₄—C(O)—; or R_(x) is (b2) wherein R₂ of the group B1) is selected from H, CH₃, isobutyl, isopropyl, benzyl; T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined; T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—; T″ is independently selected from C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, —C(O)—NR′—, —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—; Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from a) C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with —ONO₂, b) wherein n¹ is 0 or n¹ is 1; e) wherein n² is 1, R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)—, wherein n^(2′) is 0 and T₁ is —C(O) and n¹ is 0 or 1, U is a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group; f) wherein T₂ is —O, R₁₃ is H and n3 is
 1. 4. The nitric oxide releasing compounds according to claim 1 wherein a is 1 and Z is —C(O)—; R_(x) is selected from (a1) wherein R₁ is selected from A1), A2), A3) or A4); (a3) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5), A6) or A7); (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) wherein R^(1b) is selected from A8) or A9); (a7) wherein R^(1a) is selected from A5) or A6) or A7); (b1) wherein R₂ is selected from B1); (d1) or (d2) wherein R₁₂ is selected from D1), D2), D3) or D4); (d3), (d4), (d7) or (d8) wherein R^(12a) is selected from D5), D6) or D7); (d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10) wherein R^(12b) is selected from D8) or D9); (g1) wherein R₃ is H; T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined; T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—; T″ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, —C(O)—NR′—, —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)—; T″′ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—; Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from a) straight or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene; straight or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene substituted with one or more of the substituents selected from the group consisting of: halogen atoms, hydroxy, —ONO₂ or T₂, wherein T₂ is —OC(O)(C₁-C₁₀ alkyl)-ONO₂ or —O(C₁-C₁₀ alkyl)-ONO₂; cycloalkylene with 5 to 7 carbon atoms into cycloalkylene ring, the ring being optionally substituted with one or more straight or branched C₁-C₁₀ alkyl chains;

wherein n⁰ is an integer from 0 to 20; n¹ is 0 or 1; U is a linear or branched 01-C₂₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group;

n² is an integer from 0 to 2; R¹³ is H or CH₃; Y¹ is —CH₂—CH₂— or —CH═CH—(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)—, wherein n^(2′) is 0 or 1; T₁=—O—C(O)— or —C(O)O—; n¹ is 0 or 1; U is a linear or branched C₁-C₂₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group; R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)— and n^(2′) is 0, T₁ is —C(O)O— and U is a linear C₁-C₁₀ alkylene;

wherein T₂ is —O— or —S—, —NH; n³ is an integer from 1 to 6; when Y and Y′ are selected from b), c), d), e), e′) or f), the —ONO₂ group of -(T-Y—ONO₂), -(T-Y—ONO₂), -(T″-Y′—ONO₂), -(T′-Y′—ONO₂), -(T″′-Y—ONO₂) and -(T″-Y—ONO₂) is linked to the —(CH₂)*— group.
 5. The nitric oxide releasing compounds according to claim 4 wherein a is 1 and Z is —C(O)—; R_(x) is (a1) wherein R₁ of the group A1) is selected from H, isobutyl, benzyl, C₆H₅—CH₂—CH₂—, 2-monosubstituted benzyl, or 3-monosubstituted benzyl or 4-monosubstituted benzyl, or R₁ of the group A2) is selected from —CH₂OH, —CH(CH₃)—OH— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)], or R₁ of the group A3) is selected from —CH₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₃—NHR″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is H, or R₁ of the group A4) is —CH₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)R″′ wherein R″′ is OH; or R_(x) is (a3) wherein R^(1a) of the group A5) is selected from —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)O— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], or R^(1a) of the group A6) is selected from —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₃—NH—(CH₂)₄—NH—, or R^(1a) of the group A7) is —CH₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₄—C(O)—; or R_(x) is (a5), (a6), (a9) or (a10) wherein R^(1b) of the group A8) is selected from —O—CH(CH₃)—, —O—CH₂-[(4-O)-(06H₄)]—CH₂—, or R^(1b) of the group A9) is selected from —HN—CH₂—HN—(CH₂)₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₃—, —HN—(CH₂)₄—; or R_(x) is (a7) wherein R^(1a) of the group A5) is selected from —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)—O— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], or R^(1a) of the group A6) is selected from —CH₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₂—NH—(CH₂)₃—NH—, —(CH₂)₄—NH— or R^(1a) of the group A7) is —CH₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₂—C(O)—(CH₂)₄—C(O)—; or R_(x) is (b1) wherein R₂ of the group B1) is selected from H, CH₃, isobutyl, isopropyl, benzyl; or R_(x) is selected from (d1) or (d2), wherein R₁₂ of the group Di) is selected from H, CH₃, isobutyl, isopropyl, benzyl, or R₁₂ of the group D2) is selected from —CH₂—OH, —CH(CH₃)OH— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-OH)], or R₁₂ of the group D3) is selected from —CH₂—NHR″, (CH₂)₂—NHR″, —(CH₂)₃—NHR″, —(CH₂)₄—NHR″, wherein R″ is H, or R₁₂ of the group D4) is CH₂C(O)R″, —(CH₂)₂—C(O)R″′, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)R″′ wherein R″′ is OH; or R_(x) is selected from (d3), (d4), (d7) or (d8) wherein R^(12a) of the group D5) is selected from —CH₂—O—, —CH(CH₃)—O— or —CH₂[(C₆H₄)-(4-O)—], or R^(12a) of the group D6) is selected from —CH₂—NH—-(CH₂)₂—NH—, —(CH₂)₃—NH—-(CH₂)₄—NH— or R^(12a) of the group D7) is —CH₂—C(O), —(CH₂)₂—C(O)—, —(CH₂)₄—C(O)—; or R_(x) is selected from (d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10) wherein R^(12b) of the group D8) is selected from —O—CH(CH₃)—, —O—CH₂—, [(4-O)—(C₆H₄)]-CH₂— or R^(12b) of the group D9) is selected from —HN—CH₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₂—, —HN—(CH₂)₃—, (CH₂)₄—; T is selected from —O—, —S—, —NR′—, —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)O— wherein R′ is as above defined; T′ is —C(O)—, —O(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—; T″ is independently selected from —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, —C(O)—NR′—, —O—, —S—, —NR′— or —O—CH(R′)—O—C(O)— Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from a) C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with —ONO₂, b) wherein n¹ is 0 or n¹ is 1 e) wherein n² is 1, R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)—, wherein n^(2′) is 0 and T₁ is —C(O) and n¹ is 0 or 1, U is a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group; f) wherein T₂ is —O, R₁₃ is H and n³ is
 1. 6. The nitric oxide releasing compounds according to claim 1 wherein a is 0or a is 1 and Z is —CH(R′)—O—; R_(x) is selected from (d5), (d6), (d9) or (d10) wherein R^(12b) is selected from D10); T′ is —C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—; T″ is independently selected from C(O)—, —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —S— or —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—; Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from a) C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with —ONO₂, b) wherein n¹ is 0 or n¹ is 1; e) wherein n² is 1, R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH—(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)—, wherein n^(2′) is 0 and T₁ is —C(O) and n¹ is 0 or 1, U is a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group; f) wherein T₂ is —O, R₁₃ is H and n³ is
 1. 7. The nitric oxide releasing compounds according to claim 1 wherein A is 1 and Z is —C(O)—; R_(x) is (d1) wherein R₁₂ is selected from D1); T″ is independently selected from —C(G), —C(O)—X″, wherein X″ is —O—, or —C(O)—NR′—; Y and Y′ are bivalent radicals independently selected from a) C₁-C₁₀ alkylene or a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene substituted with —ONO₂, b) wherein n¹ is 0 or n¹ is 1; e) wherein n² is 1, R₁₃ is CH₃, Y¹ is —CH═CH(CH₂)_(n) ^(2′)—, wherein n^(2′) is 0 and T₁ is —C(O) and n¹ is 0 or 1, U is a C₁-C₁₀ alkylene optionally substituted with a —ONO₂ group;
 8. The nitric oxide releasing compounds according to claim 2 wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β; R₃ is H; R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ and R₂ are taken together to form a group of formula (III) wherein RAL is CH₃ and R_(A2) is H, and R₁ and R₂ are linked to the carbon atoms in 17 and 16 of the steroidal structure in position α, R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OC(O)O_(m)R_(i) wherein m is 0 and R_(j) is —CH₂CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R₈ is H; R_(8A) is H; R₉ is H; R₁₀ is H; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is H; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;
 9. The nitric oxide releasing compounds according to claim 3 wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β; R₃ is H; R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position [3; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ and R₂ are taken together to form a group of formula (III) wherein R_(A1) is CH₃ and R_(A2) is H, and R₁ and R₂ are linked to the carbon atoms in 17 and 16 of the steroidal structure in position α, R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OC(O)O_(m)R_(j) wherein m is 0 and R_(i) is —CH₂CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R₈ is H; R_(8A) is H; R₉ is H; R₁₀ is H; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is H; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;
 10. The nitric oxide releasing compounds according to claim 4 wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β; R₃ is H; R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ and R₂ are taken together to form a group of formula (III) wherein R_(A1) is CH₃ and R_(A2) is H, and R₁ and R₂ are linked to the carbon atoms in 17 and 16 of the steroidal structure in position α, R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A), is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OC(O)O_(m)R_(i) wherein m is 0 and R_(i) is —CH₂CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R₈ is H; R_(8A) is H; R₉ is H; R₁₀ is H; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is H; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A is H;) R₁₂ is H;
 11. The nitric oxide releasing compounds according to claim 5 wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β; R₃ is H; R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ and R₂ are taken together to form a group of formula (III) wherein R_(A1) is CH₃ and R_(A2) is H, and R₁ and R₂ are linked to the carbon atoms in 17 and 16 of the steroidal structure in position α, R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OC(O)O_(m)R^(i) wherein m is 0 and R_(i) is —CH₂CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R₈ is H; R_(8A) is H; R₉ is H; R₁₀ is H; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is H; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;
 12. The nitric oxide releasing compounds according to claim 6 wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β; R₃ is H; R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ and R₂ are taken together to form a group of formula (III) wherein R_(A1) is CH₃ and R_(A2) is H, and R₁ and R₂ are linked to the carbon atoms in 17 and 16 of the steroidal structure in position α, R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OC(O)O_(m)R_(i) wherein m is 0 and R_(i) is —CH₂CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position f3; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R₈ is H; R_(8A) is H; R₉ is H; R₁₀ is H; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is H; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;
 13. The nitric oxide releasing compounds according to claim 7 wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β; R₃ is H; R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 6 of the steroidal structure in position α; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond: R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ and R₂ are taken together to form a group of formula (III) wherein R_(A1) is CH₃ and R_(A2) is H, and R₁ and R₂ are linked to the carbon atoms in 17 and 16 of the steroidal structure in position α, R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OC(O)O_(m)R_(i) wherein m is 0 and R_(i) is —CH₂CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position β; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is CH₃ and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A is H;) R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R₈ is H; R_(8A) is H; R₉ is H; R₁₀ is H; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is H; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is H; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H; or wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) wherein R₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 17 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₂ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 16 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₃ is H; R₄ is H; R_(4A) is H; R₅ and R₆ form a double bond; R₇ and R_(7A) are ═O; R_(8A) is H; R₈ and R₉ form a double bond; R₁₀ is F and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 9 of the steroidal structure in position α; R₁₁ is OH and it is linked to the carbon atoms in 11 of the steroidal structure in position β; R_(11A) is H; R₁₂ is H;
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. Nitric oxide releasing compounds according to claim 9


17. Nitric oxide releasing compounds according to claim 11


18. Nitric oxide releasing compounds according to claim 13


19. Compounds according to claim 1 for use as a medicament.
 20. Use of compounds according to claim 1 wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) is selected from the group consisting of dexamethasone, dexamethasone-17-acetate, dexamethasone-17-propionate, prednisolone, prednisone, or (11β,16β)-16,17-[[(R)-cyclohexylmethylene]bis(oxy)-11,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of respiratory diseases.
 21. Use of compounds according to claim 1 wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) is selected from the group consisting of dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisoione, prednisolone, prednisone, triamcinolone, [(8R,10S,13S,14R,17R)-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-3-oxo-2,6,7,8,12,14,15,16-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]-2-oxo-ethanol; diflorasone, diflorasone-17-acetate or (11β,16β)-16,17-[[(R)-cyclohexylmethylene]bis(oxy)-11,21-dihydroxyl-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione, for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of ocular diseases.
 22. Use of compounds according to claim 1 wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) is selected from the group consisting of betamethasone 17-benzoate, betamethasone 17-butyrate, betamethasone 17-valerate, cloprednol, corticosterone, cortisone, dexamethasone, fludrocortisone, flucloronide, fluocortolone, fluprednisolone, hydrocortisone, meprednisone, methylprednisoione, paramethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, prednival, prednylidene, triamcinolone, 5-pregnene-36,21-diol-20-one, 6,16α-dimethyl-11β, 17a,21-trihydroxy-2′-phenyl[3,2-c]pyrazolo-4,6-pregnadien-20-one; (11β,16β)-11,21-dihydroxy-2′-methyl-5′H-pregna-1,4-dieno [17,16-o]oxazole-3,20-dione, (11β,16β)-11,21-dihydroxy-9-fluoro-2′-methyl-5′H-pregna-1,4-dieno[17,16-d]oxazole-3,20-dione or 3-(2-chloroethoxy)-9-fluoro-11β,16α,17,21-tetrahydroxy-20-oxopregna-3,5-diene-6-carboxaldehyde, for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
 23. Use of compounds according to claim 1 wherein R is the corticosteroid residue of formula (II) is selected from the group consisting of alclometasone, betamethasone-17-butyrate, betamethasone-17-propionate, betamethasone-17-benzoate, betamethasone-17-valerate, clocortolone, desonide, desoximethasone, dexamethasone, dexamethasone-17-acetate, dexamethasone-17-propionate, diflorasone, diflorasone-17-acetate, difluocortolone, flumethasone, flucloronide, fluocortolone, flurandrenolide, halomethasone, halomethasone-17-propionate, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone-17-butyrate, hydrocortisone-17-valerate, methylprednisolone, prednisolone-17-ethylcarbonate, triamcinolone, alclomethasone 17-propionate, (11β,16α)-16,17-[cyclopentylidenebis(oxy)]-11,21-dihydroxy-9-fluoro-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione; (6α,11β)-6,9-difluoro-11,21-dihydroxy-17-(1-oxobutoxy)pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione; (6α,11β,16α)-6,9-difluoro-11,21-dihydroxy-16,17-[(1-methylethylidene)bis(oxy)]pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione; fluprednidene or halopredone, for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of dermatological diseases.
 24. A pharmaceutical formulation comprising a compound of formula (I) according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and/or carrier. 